Mercury and other metals in eggs and feathers of glaucous-winged gulls (Larus glaucescens) in the Aleutians

PubMed Central

Gochfeld, Michael; Jeitner, Christian; Burke, Sean; Volz, Conrad D.; Snigaroff, Ronald; Snigaroff, Daniel; Shukla, Tara; Shukla, Sheila

2014-01-01

Levels of mercury and other contaminants should be lower in birds nesting on isolated oceanic islands and at high latitudes without any local or regional sources of contamination, compared to more urban and industrialized temperate regions. We examined concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, mercury and selenium in the eggs, and the feathers of fledgling and adult glaucous-winged gulls (Larus glaucescens) nesting in breeding colonies on Adak, Amchitka, and Kiska Islands in the Aleutian Chain of Alaska in the Bering Sea/North Pacific. We tested the following null hypotheses: 1) There were no differences in metal levels among eggs and feathers of adult and fledgling glaucous-winged gulls, 2) There were no differences in metal levels among gulls nesting near the three underground nuclear test sites (Long Shot 1965, Milrow 1969, Cannikin 1971) on Amchitka, 3) There were no differences in metal levels among the three islands, and 4) There were no gender-related differences in metal levels. All four null hypotheses were rejected at the 0.05 level, although there were few differences among the three test sites on Amchitka. Eggs had the lowest levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury, and the feathers of adults had the lowest levels of selenium. Comparing only adults and fledglings, adults had higher levels of cadmium, chromium, lead and mercury, and fledglings had higher levels of arsenic, manganese and selenium. There were few consistent interisland differences, although levels were generally lower for eggs and feathers from gulls on Amchitka compared to the other islands. Arsenic was higher in both adult feathers and eggs from Amchitka compared to Adak, and chromium and lead were higher in adult feathers and eggs from Adak compared to Amchitka. Mercury and arsenic, and chromium and manganese levels were significantly correlated in the feathers of both adult and fledgling gulls. The feathers of males had significantly higher levels of chromium and manganese than did females. The levels of most metals in feathers are below those known to be associated with adverse effects in the gulls or their predators. However, levels of mercury in some gull eggs are within a range suggesting that several eggs should not be eaten in one day by sensitive humans. PMID:18626778

Metformin influence on hormone levels at birth, in PCOS mothers and their newborns.

PubMed

Carlsen, S M; Vanky, E

2010-03-01

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) tends to run in families and excess intrauterine androgen exposure has been suggested as one possible cause of PCOS. We wanted to study the relationship between maternal and offspring sex hormone levels and the possible effects of metformin treatment in PCOS pregnancies. We performed a post hoc analysis of a trial in which 40 pregnant women with PCOS were randomized in the first trimester, to use either metformin 850 mg twice daily or placebo until delivery. Maternal venous blood and umbilical arterial and venous blood samples were collected at delivery. Outcome measures were levels of androgens, estrogens and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). (i) In newborns, SHBG levels were higher in the metformin group. All other hormones, both in mothers and offspring, were unaffected by metformin treatment. (ii) Mothers, who gave birth to boys, had higher estrone and estradiol levels compared with those who gave birth to girls. (iii) Male newborns had higher levels of testosterone, androstanediol glucuronide and estradiol compared with females. (iv) Positive correlations were found between maternal and newborn levels of androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone and estradiol. Intrauterine metformin exposure seems to result in elevated SHBG levels in newborns. However, at birth, maternal and newborn androgen and estrogen levels are unaffected by metformin use in pregnancy. Although androgen and estrogen levels are higher in male newborns compared with females, maternal and newborn androgen and estrogen levels are highly correlated at birth.

Tumor Associated Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Show Higher Immunosuppressive and Angiogenic Properties Compared to Adipose Derived MSCs.

PubMed

Langroudi, Ladan; Hassan, Zuhair Muhammad; Soleimani, Masoud; Hashemi, Seyed Mahmoud

2015-12-01

Differentiation, migratory properties and availability of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSC) have become an important part of biomedical research. However, the functional heterogeneity of cells derived from different tissues has hampered providing definitive phenotypic markers for these cells. To characterize and compare the phenotype and cytokines of adipose derived MSCs (AD-MSCs) and tumoral-MSCs (T-MSCs) isolated from mammary tumors of BALB/c mice. Immunophenotyping and in vitro differentiation tests were used for MSC characterization. Cytokine and enzyme profiles were assessed using ELISA and Real-time PCR, respectively. T-MSCs expressed significantly higher levels of HLA-DR (p=0.04). Higher levels of PGE2 and COX-2 enzyme were also observed in T-MSCs (p=0.07 and p=0.00, respectively). Additionally, T-MSCs expressed higher levels of iNOS and MMP9 (p=0.01 and p=0.01, respectively). T-MSCs were also able to induce higher levels of proliferation and migration of HUVEC endothelial cells in wound scratch assay compared to AD-MSCs (p=0.015). Functional differences showed by the surface markers of MSCs, cytokine and enzyme production indicate the effect of different microenvironments on MSCs phenotype and function.

Adipokines, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and C-reactive protein levels in lean, overweight, and obese portuguese patients with type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Neuparth, Maria João; Proença, Jorge Brandão; Santos-Silva, Alice; Coimbra, Susana

2013-01-01

Aim. Our aim was to study how different BMI scores may influence the levels of inflammation, oxidative stress, adipogenesis, glucose, and lipid metabolism, in lean, overweight, and obese Portuguese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. We studied 28 lean, 38 overweight, and 17 obese patients with T2DM and 20 controls (gender and age matched). The circulating levels of oxLDL, CRP, and some adipokines-adiponectin, leptin, and chemerin-and the lipid profile were evaluated. Results. Obese patients presented significantly lower levels of adiponectin and higher leptin, oxLDL, and chemerin levels, as compared to the overweight, lean, and control groups. Overweight, compared to lean and control, subjects showed significantly lower adiponectin and higher leptin and chemerin levels; oxLDL values were significantly higher in overweight than in lean patients. Lean patients presented significantly higher chemerin values than the control. Obese patients presented significantly higher CRP values, as compared to lean patients and the control group. Obese and overweight patients presented significantly higher triglycerides values than lean patients. Except for CRP, all the observed significant changes between control and patients remained significant after statistical adjustment for the body mass index (BMI). Conclusion. The levels of leptin, adiponectin, oxLDL, CRP, and triglycerides in patients with T2DM seem to be more associated with obesity and less with diabetes. Chemerin levels were raised in lean, overweight, and obese patients, suggesting that, independently of BMI, an adipocyte dysfunction occurs. Moreover, chemerin may provide an important early biomarker of adipocyte dysfunction and a link between obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Adipokines, Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein, and C-Reactive Protein Levels in Lean, Overweight, and Obese Portuguese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

PubMed Central

Neuparth, Maria João; Proença, Jorge Brandão; Santos-Silva, Alice; Coimbra, Susana

2013-01-01

Aim. Our aim was to study how different BMI scores may influence the levels of inflammation, oxidative stress, adipogenesis, glucose, and lipid metabolism, in lean, overweight, and obese Portuguese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. We studied 28 lean, 38 overweight, and 17 obese patients with T2DM and 20 controls (gender and age matched). The circulating levels of oxLDL, CRP, and some adipokines—adiponectin, leptin, and chemerin—and the lipid profile were evaluated. Results. Obese patients presented significantly lower levels of adiponectin and higher leptin, oxLDL, and chemerin levels, as compared to the overweight, lean, and control groups. Overweight, compared to lean and control, subjects showed significantly lower adiponectin and higher leptin and chemerin levels; oxLDL values were significantly higher in overweight than in lean patients. Lean patients presented significantly higher chemerin values than the control. Obese patients presented significantly higher CRP values, as compared to lean patients and the control group. Obese and overweight patients presented significantly higher triglycerides values than lean patients. Except for CRP, all the observed significant changes between control and patients remained significant after statistical adjustment for the body mass index (BMI). Conclusion. The levels of leptin, adiponectin, oxLDL, CRP, and triglycerides in patients with T2DM seem to be more associated with obesity and less with diabetes. Chemerin levels were raised in lean, overweight, and obese patients, suggesting that, independently of BMI, an adipocyte dysfunction occurs. Moreover, chemerin may provide an important early biomarker of adipocyte dysfunction and a link between obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. PMID:24634792

Reliability Studies of Ceramic Capacitors.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-03-01

with barium/ titanium ratios of greater than one exhibit higher current levels and enhanced degradation compared to the excess titanium compositions. This...essentially insoluble in BaTiO -4- 3. Compositions with barium/ titanium ratios less than one exhibit higher current levels and enhanced degradation compared...this process is shown in figure 1. The cationic sources which have been successfully used are carbonates, hydroxides, isopropoxides , and nitrates. The

Volatiles and water- and fat-soluble precursors of Saanen goat and cross Suffolk lamb flavour.

PubMed

Madruga, Marta; Dantas, Ingrid; Queiroz, Angela; Brasil, Luciana; Ishihara, Yuri

2013-02-07

This paper evaluates the concentrations of water- and fat-soluble precursors of meat flavour, with the aim of characterising the effect of species on the volatile profile of grilled goat and lamb meat. Compared to goat, lamb meat had higher levels of saturated fatty acids--SFA, monounsaturated fatty acids--MUFA and polyunsaturated fatty acids--PUFA and similar levels of sugars and free amino acids, except for lysine and glycine, which were higher in goat. Major differences were detected in lipid-derived volatiles; only pyrazine, thiazole, and some Strecker aldehydes were at different concentrations in these species. Volatile compounds derived from the oxidation of linoleic acid were at higher levels in meat from lamb due to the higher concentration of the latter, while compounds formed from α-linolenic acid were at higher levels in goat. It can be concluded that lamb meat has a stronger flavour profile compared to goat meat because it has the highest concentrations of lipid-derived volatile compounds, primarily straight saturated alkanals, pyrazines and thiazole.

Social and Environmental Factors Affecting Fecal Glucocorticoids in Wild, Female White-Faced Capuchins (Cebus capucinus)

PubMed Central

CARNEGIE, SARAH D.; FEDIGAN, LINDA M.; ZIEGLER, TONI E.

2016-01-01

Assessing glucocorticoid levels in free-ranging nonhuman primates provides a means to determine the social and environmental stress load for individuals. We investigated the effect of four proximate variables—reproductive state, season, male rank stability, and dominance rank—on the level of fecal glucocorticoids (cortisol metabolites) in eight adult female white-faced capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica. Reproductive state, season, and male rank stability significantly affected fecal glucocorticoids while female dominance rank did not. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in pregnant females as compared with lactating or other reproductive states. Cortisol levels were higher among females during the dry season compared with the wet season, suggesting a metabolic adaptation to maintain homeostasis in drier, hotter conditions. Although unfamiliar males present a greater infanticidal threat than do familiar ones, we found that females experienced higher glucocorticoid levels during male rank instability events, regardless of whether the alpha male role was taken over by a familiar or an unfamiliar male. Our findings provide important benchmark and comparative data for future studies on the variables that affect glucocorticoid levels in this species and other mammals. PMID:21506140

Comparative assessment of blood lead levels of automobile technicians in organised and roadside garages in Lagos, Nigeria.

PubMed

Saliu, Abdulsalam; Adebayo, Onajole; Kofoworola, Odeyemi; Babatunde, Ogunowo; Ismail, Abdussalam

2015-01-01

Occupational exposure to lead is common among automobile technicians and constitutes 0.9% of total global health burden with a majority of cases in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the blood lead levels of automobile technicians in roadside and organised garages in Lagos State, Nigeria. This was a comparative cross-sectional study. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Physical examinations were conducted and blood was analysed for lead using atomic spectrophotometery. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the median blood lead levels of each group using the independent sample (Mann-Whitney U) test. Seventy-three (40.3%) of the organised compared to 59 (34.3%) of the roadside groups had high blood lead levels. The organised group had statistically significant higher median blood lead levels of, 66.0 µg/dL than the roadside 43.5 µg/dL (P < 0.05). There was also statistically significant association between high blood lead levels and abnormal discolouration of the mucosa of the mouth in the organised group. Automobile technicians in organised garages in Lagos have higher prevalence of elevated blood lead levels and higher median levels than the roadside group. Preventive strategies against lead exposures should be instituted by the employers and further actions should be taken to minimize exposures, improve work practices, implement engineering controls (e.g., proper ventilation), and ensure the use of personal protective equipment.

Comparative Assessment of Blood Lead Levels of Automobile Technicians in Organised and Roadside Garages in Lagos, Nigeria

PubMed Central

Saliu, Abdulsalam; Adebayo, Onajole; Kofoworola, Odeyemi; Babatunde, Ogunowo; Ismail, Abdussalam

2015-01-01

Occupational exposure to lead is common among automobile technicians and constitutes 0.9% of total global health burden with a majority of cases in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the blood lead levels of automobile technicians in roadside and organised garages in Lagos State, Nigeria. This was a comparative cross-sectional study. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Physical examinations were conducted and blood was analysed for lead using atomic spectrophotometery. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the median blood lead levels of each group using the independent sample (Mann-Whitney U) test. Seventy-three (40.3%) of the organised compared to 59 (34.3%) of the roadside groups had high blood lead levels. The organised group had statistically significant higher median blood lead levels of, 66.0 µg/dL than the roadside 43.5 µg/dL (P < 0.05). There was also statistically significant association between high blood lead levels and abnormal discolouration of the mucosa of the mouth in the organised group. Automobile technicians in organised garages in Lagos have higher prevalence of elevated blood lead levels and higher median levels than the roadside group. Preventive strategies against lead exposures should be instituted by the employers and further actions should be taken to minimize exposures, improve work practices, implement engineering controls (e.g., proper ventilation), and ensure the use of personal protective equipment. PMID:25759723

Al2O3 Nanoparticle Addition to Commercial Magnesium Alloys: Multiple Beneficial Effects

PubMed Central

Paramsothy, Muralidharan; Chan, Jimmy; Kwok, Richard; Gupta, Manoj

2012-01-01

The multiple beneficial effects of Al2O3 nanoparticle addition to cast magnesium based systems (followed by extrusion) were investigated, constituting either: (a) enhanced strength; or (b) simultaneously enhanced strength and ductility of the corresponding magnesium alloys. AZ31 and ZK60A nanocomposites containing Al2O3 nanoparticle reinforcement were each fabricated using solidification processing followed by hot extrusion. Compared to monolithic AZ31 (tension levels), the corresponding nanocomposite exhibited higher yield strength (0.2% tensile yield strength (TYS)), ultimate strength (UTS), failure strain and work of fracture (WOF) (+19%, +21%, +113% and +162%, respectively). Compared to monolithic AZ31 (compression levels), the corresponding nanocomposite exhibited higher yield strength (0.2% compressive yield strength (CYS)) and ultimate strength (UCS), lower failure strain and higher WOF (+5%, +5%, −4% and +11%, respectively). Compared to monolithic ZK60A (tension levels), the corresponding nanocomposite exhibited lower 0.2% TYS and higher UTS, failure strain and WOF (−4%, +13%, +170% and +200%, respectively). Compared to monolithic ZK60A (compression levels), the corresponding nanocomposite exhibited lower 0.2% CYS and higher UCS, failure strain and WOF (−10%, +7%, +15% and +26%, respectively). The capability of Al2O3 nanoparticles to enhance the properties of cast magnesium alloys in a way never seen before with micron length scale reinforcements is clearly demonstrated. PMID:28348301

Contribution of the lean body mass to insulin resistance in postmenopausal women with visceral obesity: a Monet study.

PubMed

Brochu, Martin; Mathieu, Marie-Eve; Karelis, Antony D; Doucet, Eric; Lavoie, Marie-Eve; Garrel, Dominique; Rabasa-Lhoret, Rémi

2008-05-01

Some insulin-resistant obese postmenopausal (PM) women are characterized by an android body fat distribution type and higher levels of lean body mass (LBM) compared to insulin-sensitive obese PM women. This study investigates the independent contribution of LBM to the detrimental effect of visceral fat (VF) levels on the metabolic profile. One hundred and three PM women (age: 58.0+/-4.9 years) were studied and categorized in four groups on the basis of their VF (higher vs. lower) and lean BMI (LBMI=LBM (kg)/height (m2); higher vs. lower). Measures included: fasting lipids, glucose homeostasis (by euglycemic/hyperinsulinemic clamp technique and 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, fat distribution (by computed tomography (CT) scan), and body composition (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). Women in the higher VF/higher LBMI group had lower glucose disposal and higher plasma insulin levels compared to the other groups. They also had higher plasma CRP levels than the women in the lower VF/lower LBMI group. VF was independently associated with insulin levels, measures of glucose disposal, and CRP levels (P<0.05). LBMI was also independently associated with insulin levels, glucose disposal, and CRP levels (P<0.05). Finally, significant interactions were observed between LBMI and VF levels for insulin levels during the OGTT and measures of glucose disposal (P<0.05). In conclusion, VF and LBMI are both independently associated with alterations in glucose homeostasis and CRP levels. The contribution of VF to insulin resistance seems to be exacerbated by increased LBM in PM women.

Comparative Hair Trace Element Profile in the Population of Sakhalin and Taiwan Pacific Islands.

PubMed

Skalny, Anatoly V; Skalnaya, Margarita G; Serebryansky, Eugeny P; Zhegalova, Irina V; Grabeklis, Andrei R; Skalnaya, Oxana A; Skalnaya, Anastasia A; Huang, Pai-Tsang; Wu, Cheng-Chi; Bykov, Anatoly T; Tinkov, Alexey A

2017-11-17

The objective of the current study is to perform a comparative analysis of hair trace element content in 393 apparently healthy adults living in Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China (94 women and 46 men) and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin, Russia (186 women and 67 men). The obtained data indicate that Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk inhabitants were characterized by significantly higher hair Co, Cr, Mn, and V levels, exceeding the respective Taipei values by a factor of 3, 2, 7, and 5, respectively (all p < 0.001). Hair Cu, Fe, and Si levels were also higher in examinees from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk than those from Taipei by 10% (p = 0.001), 61% (p < 0.001), and 68% (p < 0.001), respectively. It is notable that the only essential element, being significantly higher (+ 30%; p < 0.001) in Taipei inhabitants, is selenium. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk inhabitants were characterized by 60% higher levels of hair Sn, and nearly two- and threefold higher scalp hair content of Be and Cd in comparison to Taipei values, respectively (all p < 0.001). Oppositely, the examinees from Taipei had 14% (p = 0.040) and 47% (p = 0.001) higher levels of hair As and Hg as compared to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk inhabitants. Further analysis demonstrated that men from both Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and Taipei were characterized by significantly higher hair Mn, As, and Pb levels in comparison to women. The intensive development of heavy industry in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk may result in increased metal emissions, whereas fish consumption may result in elevation of hair Hg, As, and Se levels in Taiwan inhabitants.

[Socio-demographic characteristics, subjective well-being, and homophobia experienced by a sample of gay men from three cities in Chile].

PubMed

Barrientos-Delgado, Jaime; Cárdenas-Castro, Manuel; Gómez-Ojeda, Fabiola

2014-06-01

This article describes the socio-demographic characteristics of a sample of gay men in three cities in Chile, as well as experience with homophobia and subjective well-being. Snowball sampling was used to interview 325 gay men. The main findings included high levels of perceived discrimination and victimization, but interviewees reported higher levels of social well-being compared to studies elsewhere in the country. Age was related to differences in levels of social well-being, but not other variables. Individuals with university education reported higher levels of victimization and greater impact of discrimination on their lives. Gay men in Santiago reported a higher relative impact from incidents of aggression, but better levels of social well-being and happiness compared to those in other regions of Chile.

Is it all in the game? Flow experience and scientific practices during an INPLACE mobile game

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bressler, Denise M.

Mobile science learning games show promise for promoting scientific practices and high engagement. Researchers have quantified this engagement according to flow theory. Using an embedded mixed methods design, this study investigated whether an INPLACE mobile game promotes flow experience, scientific practices, and effective team collaboration. Students playing the game (n=59) were compared with students in a business-as-usual control activity (n=120). Using an open-ended instrument designed to measure scientific practices and a self-report flow survey, this study empirically assessed flow and learner's scientific practices. The game players had significantly higher levels of flow and scientific practices. Using a multiple case study approach, collaboration among game teams (n=3 teams) were qualitatively compared with control teams (n=3 teams). Game teams revealed not only higher levels of scientific practices but also higher levels of engaged responses and communal language. Control teams revealed lower levels of scientific practice along with higher levels of rejecting responses and command language. Implications for these findings are discussed.

Serum bioactive and immunoreactive luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in women with cycle abnormalities, with or without polycystic ovarian disease.

PubMed

Fauser, B C; Pache, T D; Lamberts, S W; Hop, W C; de Jong, F H; Dahl, K D

1991-10-01

Serum steroid, gonadotropin, and alpha-subunit levels were assessed in 35 women with cycle abnormalities [11 with and 24 without polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) according to strict clinical and biochemical criteria] and 8 regularly cycling women in the early (cycle day 3 or 4) and mid (cycle day 7 or 8) follicular phase. LH and FSH levels were estimated using two immunological techniques [RIA and immunoradiometric assay (IRMA)] and in vitro bioassays (BIO), using mouse Leydig cells and rat granulosa cells, respectively. In PCOD patients mean alpha-subunit, free androgen index [FAI; testosterone x 100/sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)], androstenedione, estrone, and estradiol (E2) were significantly elevated compared to levels in the early follicular phase of control cycles and non-PCOD patients. In addition, in PCOD patients mean IRMA-LH and RIA-LH levels were distinctly increased (2.8- to 3.6 fold, respectively; both comparisons, P less than 0.001) compared to control values, but in the same order of magnitude (1.3- to 1.4-fold increments) as that in non-PCOD patients. However, the median BIO-LH level in PCOD patients was 5.9-fold higher than that in non-PCOD patients and 4.0-fold higher than the BIO-LH in the early follicular phase of control women. Consequently, the median BIO/IRMA-LH ratio was 4.8-fold higher in PCOD patients compared to non-PCOD patients. In women with cycle abnormalities, individual BIO/IRMA-LH ratios correlated with BIO-LH (rs = 0.48), FAI (rs = 0.39), free estrogens (E2/SHBG ratios; rs = 0 0.47), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (rs = 0.60) concentrations. Mean IRMA-, RIA-, and BIO-FSH levels and BIO/IRMA-FSH ratios were not significantly different when various groups were compared. Although RIA- and IRMA-LH levels showed good correlation (rs = 0.88), RIA-LH levels were consistently higher, resulting in distinctly higher RIA-LH/FSH ratios (mean, 4.5) compared to IRMA-LH/FSH ratios (median, 1.8) in PCOD patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Mental health of Polish immigrants compared to that of the Polish and German populations].

PubMed

Morawa, Eva; Senf, Wolfgang; Erim, Yesim

2013-01-01

This survey examines the mental health of immigrants of Polish origin compared to samples from the Polish and German populations. In a sample of 513 subjects (261 persons with Polish migration background and 252 autochthone Poles) depression (BDI), anxiety (BAI), and somatic complaints (GBB-24) were measured. Immigrants of Polish origin showed a significantly higher level of anxiety as well as somatic complaints but only a tendency toward higher depressiveness than the German normvalue, but not than that of the native Poles. Female immigrants showed an overall higher number of symptoms in the three domains in question compared to German women and - except for depressiveness - also compared to male immigrants. Persons with a Polish migration background present levels of mental distress higher than the general German population, but similar to the population of their country of origin. Further research is needed to clarify the special structure of the mental morbidity in Polish immigrants.

Anxiety and depression states of adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome

PubMed

Emeksiz, Hamdi Cihan; Bideci, Aysun; Nalbantoğlu, Burçin; Nalbantoğlu, Ayşin; Çelik, Cem; Yulaf, Yasemin; Çamurdan, Mahmut Orhun; Cinaz, Peyami

2018-06-14

Background/aim: Various studies have shown that adult patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to their normal counterparts. However, it is still unclear whether these mood disorders already exist in adolescents affected by PCOS. The aim of the present study is to assess differences in anxiety and depression levels between adolescents with PCOS and age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls and to determine the possible factor(s) impacting these psychological parameters in adolescents with PCOS. Materials and methods: The study included 80 adolescents with PCOS and 50 age- and BMI-matched controls. All participants completed standardized questionnaires assessing anxiety and depression. A multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the impact of potential variables on anxiety and depression scores of the adolescents with PCOS. Results: Significantly higher levels of anxiety, specifically generalized and social anxieties, as well as depression were found in adolescents with PCOS compared to controls. Higher BMI was found to be associated with higher levels of depression and generalized anxiety, and higher modified Ferriman-Gallwey score with higher level of panic disorder in adolescents affected by PCOS. Conclusion: Adolescents with PCOS experience significantly more emotional distress compared to adolescents without PCOS. This emotional distress may be related, at least in part, to certain clinical features of PCOS including obesity and hirsutism. PCOS in adolescents should be assessed not only for the gynecological and metabolic aspects but also for the emotional aspects of the disease.

Circulating D-dimer level correlates with disease characteristics in hepatoblastoma patients

PubMed Central

Zhang, BinBin; Liu, GongBao; Liu, XiangQi; Zheng, Shan; Dong, Kuiran; Dong, Rui

2017-01-01

Abstract Objectives: Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common pediatric liver malignancy, typically affecting children within the first 4 years of life. However, only a few validated blood biomarkers are used in clinical evaluation. The current study explored the clinical application and significance of D-dimer levels in patients with HB. Method: Forty-four patients with HB were included in this retrospective study. D-dimer and plasma fibrinogen levels were examined, and their correlation with other clinical features was analyzed. D-dimer and plasma fibrinogen levels were examined between HB and other benign hepatic tumors. Results: D-dimer levels were significantly associated with high-risk HB features, such as advanced stage and high α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Higher D-dimer levels were observed in stage 4 patients compared with stage 1/2/3 patients (P = .028). Higher D-dimer levels were also observed in patients with higher AFP levels before chemotherapy compared with patients with lower AFP levels after chemotherapy (P< 0.001). In addition, higher D-dimer levels were observed in HB compared with other benign hepatic tumors such as hepatic hemangioma and hepatocellular adenoma (P = .012). No significant difference in D-dimer levels was found between sex (P = .503) and age (≥12 vs <12 months, P = .424). There was no significant difference in plasma fibrinogen levels between sex or age and high-risk HB features, such as advanced stage and high AFP levels. Conclusions: Elevated D-dimer levels could be a useful determinant biomarker for high-risk features in patients with HB. This finding also supports the clinical application of D-dimer in HB. PMID:29381980

Process-oriented guided inquiry learning strategy enhances students' higher level thinking skills in a pharmaceutical sciences course.

PubMed

Soltis, Robert; Verlinden, Nathan; Kruger, Nicholas; Carroll, Ailey; Trumbo, Tiffany

2015-02-17

To determine if the process-oriented guided inquiry learning (POGIL) teaching strategy improves student performance and engages higher-level thinking skills of first-year pharmacy students in an Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences course. Overall examination scores and scores on questions categorized as requiring either higher-level or lower-level thinking skills were compared in the same course taught over 3 years using traditional lecture methods vs the POGIL strategy. Student perceptions of the latter teaching strategy were also evaluated. Overall mean examination scores increased significantly when POGIL was implemented. Performance on questions requiring higher-level thinking skills was significantly higher, whereas performance on questions requiring lower-level thinking skills was unchanged when the POGIL strategy was used. Student feedback on use of this teaching strategy was positive. The use of the POGIL strategy increased student overall performance on examinations, improved higher-level thinking skills, and provided an interactive class setting.

Mercury, Lead, Cadmium, Cobalt, Arsenic and Selenium in the Blood of Semipalmated Sandpipers (Calidris pusilla) from Suriname, South America: Age-related Differences in Wintering Site and Comparisons with a Stopover Site in New Jersey, USA.

PubMed

Burger, Joanna; Mizrahi, David; Tsipoura, Nellie; Jeitner, Christian; Gochfeld, Michael

2018-05-09

It is essential to understand contaminant exposure and to compare levels of contaminants in organisms at different ages to determine if there is bioaccumulation, and to compare levels encountered in different geographical areas. In this paper, we report levels of mercury, lead, cadmium, cobalt, arsenic and selenium in the blood of semipalmated sandpipers ( Calidris pusilla ) wintering in Suriname as a function of age, and compare them to blood levels in northbound migrants at a stopover in Delaware Bay, New Jersey. We found (1) young birds had higher levels of cadmium, cobalt, and lead than adults (after second year birds); (2) there were no age-related differences for arsenic, mercury and selenium; (3) only four of the possible 16 inter-metal correlations were significant, at the 0.05 level; (4) the highest correlation was between cadmium and lead (Kendall tau = 0.37); and (5) the adult sandpipers had significantly higher levels of cadmium, mercury and selenium in Suriname than in New Jersey, while the New Jersey birds had significantly higher levels of arsenic. Suriname samples were obtained in April, after both age classes had spent the winter in Suriname, which suggests that sandpipers are accumulating higher levels of trace elements in Suriname than in Delaware Bay. The levels of selenium may be within a range of concern for adverse effects, but little is known about adverse effect levels of trace elements in the blood of wild birds.

Mercury and Other Metals in Feathers of Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) and Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata) from the Aleutian Chain of Alaska

PubMed Central

Gochfeld, Michael

2014-01-01

We analyzed arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, mercury, and selenium in the feathers of common eiders (Somateria mollissima) and tufted puffins (Fratercula cirrhata) from Amchitka and Kiska islands (Aleutians). Between species, puffins had 10 times higher chromium (arithmetic mean = 1820 ppb), 7.5 times higher selenium (mean = 6600 ppb), and 3 times higher mercury (mean = 2540 ppb) than eiders. Eiders had significantly higher levels of manganese than puffins. Puffins are higher on the food chain than eiders, which is reflected in their generally higher levels of metals in their feathers. Interisland differences were generally small, and there were few significant differences as a function of the three nuclear test locations on Amchitka. The only sex-related difference was that female puffins had higher mercury than males (arithmetic mean of 3060 ppb vs. 2270 ppb). Mean levels of metals in the feathers of puffins and eiders from the Aleutians were low compared with comparable studies elsewhere, and the relatively low levels of metals do not indicate the potential for adverse behavioral or reproductive effects in the birds themselves, nor pose concern for other consumers, including subsistence hunters. PMID:18712499

Specific pretreatments reduce curing period of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) beans.

PubMed

Sreedhar, R V; Roohie, K; Venkatachalam, L; Narayan, M S; Bhagyalakshmi, N

2007-04-18

With the aiming of reducing the curing period, effects of pretreatments on flavor formation in vanilla beans during accelerated curing at 38 degrees C for 40 days were studied. Moisture loss, change in texture, levels of flavoring compounds, and activities of relevant enzymes were compared among various pretreatments as well as the commercial sample. Use of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA; 5 mg/L) or Ethrel (1%) with blanching pretreatment resulted in 3-fold higher vanillin on the 10th day. Other flavoring compounds-vanillic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde-fluctuated greatly, showing no correlation with the pretreatments. Scarification of beans resulted in nearly 4- and 3.6-fold higher vanillin formations on the 10th day in NAA- and Ethrel-treated beans, respectively, as compared to control with a significant change in texture. When activities of major relevant enzymes were followed, addition of NAA or Ethrel helped to retain higher levels of cellulase throughout the curing period and higher levels of beta-glucosidase on the 20th day that correlated with higher vanillin content during curing and subsequent periods. Peroxidase, being highest throughout, did not correlate with the change in levels of major flavoring compounds. The pretreatment methods of the present study may find importance for realizing higher flavor formation in a shorter period because the major quality parameters were found to be comparable to those of a commercial sample.

Advanced Science for Employment and Higher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gadd, Ken

1998-01-01

Compares the extent to which two types of advanced level qualifications, General Certificate of Education (GCE) A-levels and General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) advanced science, meet the needs of employers and tutors of science courses in higher education. (Author/CCM)

Higher transcription levels in ascorbic acid biosynthetic and recycling genes were associated with higher ascorbic acid accumulation in blueberry.

PubMed

Liu, Fenghong; Wang, Lei; Gu, Liang; Zhao, Wei; Su, Hongyan; Cheng, Xianhao

2015-12-01

In our preliminary study, the ripe fruits of two highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cultivars, cv 'Berkeley' and cv 'Bluecrop', were found to contain different levels of ascorbic acid. However, factors responsible for these differences are still unknown. In the present study, ascorbic acid content in fruits was compared with expression profiles of ascorbic acid biosynthetic and recycling genes between 'Bluecrop' and 'Berkeley' cultivars. The results indicated that the l-galactose pathway was the predominant route of ascorbic acid biosynthesis in blueberry fruits. Moreover, higher expression levels of the ascorbic acid biosynthetic genes GME, GGP, and GLDH, as well as the recycling genes MDHAR and DHAR, were associated with higher ascorbic acid content in 'Bluecrop' compared with 'Berkeley', which indicated that a higher efficiency ascorbic acid biosynthesis and regeneration was likely to be responsible for the higher ascorbic acid accumulation in 'Bluecrop'. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fitter Women Did Not Have Attenuated Hemodynamic Responses to Psychological Stress Compared with Age-Matched Women with Lower Levels of Fitness

PubMed Central

Jayasinghe, Sisitha U.; Torres, Susan J.; Hussein, Mais; Fraser, Steve F.; Lambert, Gavin W.; Turner, Anne I.

2017-01-01

According to the ‘cross stressor adaptation hypothesis’, regular exercise acts as a buffer against the detrimental effects of stress. Nevertheless, evidence that higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness moderate hemodynamic responses to acute psychological stress is inconclusive, especially in women. Women aged 30–50 years (in the mid-follicular phase of the menstrual cycle) with higher (n = 17) and lower (n = 17) levels of fitness were subjected to a Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Continuous, non-invasive measurements were made of beat-to-beat, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), left ventricular ejection time (LVET), maximum slope, pulse interval (PI) and total peripheral resistance (TPR). Maximal oxygen consumption was significantly (p<0.001) higher in the ‘higher fit’ women. Lower fit women had higher fasting glucose, resting heart rate, waist to hip ratios and elevated serum triglyceride and cholesterol/ HDL ratios compared with higher fit women (p<0.05 for all). While all measured parameters (for both groups)displayed significant (p<0.001) responses to the TSST, only HR, PI and LVET differed significantly between higher and lower fit women (p<0.001 for all) with the higher fit women having the larger response in each case. It was also found that higher fit women had significantly shorter time to recovery for maximum slope compared with the lower fit women. These findings provide little support for the notion that higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness result in lower cardiovascular responsivity to psychological stress in women but may indicate that lower fit women have blunted responses to stress. PMID:28081200

Impact of Educational Level on Study Attrition and Evaluation of Web-Based Computer-Tailored Interventions: Results From Seven Randomized Controlled Trials.

PubMed

Reinwand, Dominique A; Crutzen, Rik; Elfeddali, Iman; Schneider, Francine; Schulz, Daniela Nadine; Smit, Eline Suzanne; Stanczyk, Nicola Esther; Tange, Huibert; Voncken-Brewster, Viola; Walthouwer, Michel Jean Louis; Hoving, Ciska; de Vries, Hein

2015-10-07

Web-based computer-tailored interventions have shown to be effective in improving health behavior; however, high dropout attrition is a major issue in these interventions. The aim of this study is to assess whether people with a lower educational level drop out from studies more frequently compared to people with a higher educational level and to what extent this depends on evaluation of these interventions. Data from 7 randomized controlled trials of Web-based computer-tailored interventions were used to investigate dropout rates among participants with different educational levels. To be able to compare higher and lower educated participants, intervention evaluation was assessed by pooling data from these studies. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess whether intervention evaluation predicted dropout at follow-up measurements. In 3 studies, we found a higher study dropout attrition rate among participants with a lower educational level, whereas in 2 studies we found that middle educated participants had a higher dropout attrition rate compared to highly educated participants. In 4 studies, no such significant difference was found. Three of 7 studies showed that participants with a lower or middle educational level evaluated the interventions significantly better than highly educated participants ("Alcohol-Everything within the Limit": F2,376=5.97, P=.003; "My Healthy Behavior": F2,359=5.52, P=.004; "Master Your Breath": F2,317=3.17, P=.04). One study found lower intervention evaluation by lower educated participants compared to participants with a middle educational level ("Weight in Balance": F2,37=3.17, P=.05). Low evaluation of the interventions was not a significant predictor of dropout at a later follow-up measurement in any of the studies. Dropout attrition rates were higher among participants with a lower or middle educational level compared with highly educated participants. Although lower educated participants evaluated the interventions better in approximately half of the studies, evaluation did not predict dropout attrition. Further research is needed to find other explanations for high dropout rates among lower educated participants.

Serum Irisin and Oxytocin Levels as Predictors of Metabolic Parameters in Obese Children.

PubMed

Binay, Çiğdem; Paketçi, Cem; Güzel, Savaş; Samancı, Nedim

2017-06-01

Irisin and oxytocin can affect energy homeostasis and it has been suggested that they may play an important role in reducing obesity and diabetes. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between metabolic parameters (including irisin and oxytocin levels) and anthropometric parameters in obese children. Ninety obese children (mean age, 13.85±1.63 years) and 30 healthy controls (mean age, 14.32±1.58 years) were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric and laboratory parameters (glucose, insulin, lipid, oxytocin, and irisin levels) were analyzed. The serum irisin and oxytocin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bioelectrical impedance was used to determine body composition. Irisin level was higher in the patients than in the controls (p=0.018), and this higher irisin level was correlated with increased systolic blood pressure, body mass index, waist/hip ratio, fat percentage, fat mass, glucose level, insulin level, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Serum oxytocin level was significantly decreased in obese children compared to the controls (p=0.049). Also, among the 60 obese patients, oxytocin level was significantly lower in patients with than in those without metabolic syndrome (8.65±2.69 vs. 10.87±5.93 ng/L, respectively), while irisin levels were comparable (p=0.049 and p=0.104, respectively). There were no statistically significant relationships between oxytocin or irisin levels and lipid levels (p>0.05). Obese children had significantly higher irisin levels than the healthy controls. Additionally, this study shows for the first time that oxytocin level is significantly lower in obese compared with non-obese children and also lower in obese children with metabolic syndrome compared to those without.

[Analysis of the factors related to the needs of patients with cancer].

PubMed

Lee, Jung A; Lee, Sun Hee; Park, Jong Hyock; Park, Jae Hyun; Kim, Sung Gyeong; Seo, Ju Hyun

2010-05-01

Limited research has investigated the specific needs of patients with cancer. This study was performed to explore patients needs and the related factors. The data were collected by 1 National Cancer Center and 9 regional cancer centers in Korea. An interview survey was performed with using a structured questionnaire for the subjects (2,661 patients who gave written informed consent to participate) survey 4 months after diagnosis and review of medical records. Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis. When comparing the relating factors related with patient needs to the sociodemographic characteristics, the female group showed a higher level of recognition for physical symptoms, social support needs. The younger group showed a significantly higher level of recognition for health care staff, psychological problems, information and education, social support, hospital services needs. In addition, the higher educated group showed a higher level of recognition for health care staff, physical symptoms, social support needs. The higher income and office workers group showed a higher level of recognition for hospital services needs. When comparing the relating factors related with patient needs to the cancer, the breast cancer group showed a higher level of recognition for all needs excluding physical symptoms, accessibility and financial support needs. The combined radiotherapy with surgery and chemotherapy group showed a higher level of recognition for psychological problems, information and education, social support needs. This study showed that needs on patient with cancer was significantly influenced by female, higher education, lower income, having religion, office worker, liver cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, chemotherapy, and combined therapy.

Effect of cadmium on the expression levels of interleukin-1α and interleukin-10 cytokines in human lung cells.

PubMed

Odewumi, Caroline; Latinwo, Lekan M; Sinclair, Andre; Badisa, Veera L D; Abdullah, Ahkinyala; Badisa, Ramesh B

2015-11-01

Cadmium is an environmentally hazardous metal, which causes toxicity in humans. Inhalation of cigarette smoke and industrial fumes containing cadmium are sources of cadmium exposure. It is responsible for the malfunction of various organs, leading to disease particularly in the lungs, liver and kidneys. In the present study, the effect of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) on cell viability, and the expression levels of interleukin (IL)‑1α and IL‑10 cytokines at various concentrations and incubation durations were assessed in MRC‑9 human normal lung and A549 human lung cancer cells to elucidate the mechanism of cadmium toxicity. Cell viability was measured using a crystal violet dye binding assay. The expression levels of the cytokines were measured by cytokine specific enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay kits. The viability assay results revealed higher sensitivity of the A549 lung cancer cells to CdCl2 compared with the normal MRC‑9 lung cells. In the normal MRC‑9 lung cells, higher expression levels of the cytokines were observed at the lowest CdCl2 concentration at a shorter exposure time compared with the lung cancer cells. Higher levels of the cytokines were observed in the A549 lung cancer cells at all other times and concentrations compared with the MRC‑9 cells, indicating higher levels of inflammation. The cytokine levels were reduced at higher CdCl2 concentrations and longer exposure durations, demonstrating the toxic effect of cadmium. The results indicated that CdCl2 affected the expression levels of the cytokines and led to cytotoxicity in human lung cells, and suggested that compounds which reduce inflammation may prevent cadmium toxicity.

Continuous glucose monitoring and HbA1c in the evaluation of glucose metabolism in children at high risk for type 1 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Helminen, Olli; Pokka, Tytti; Tossavainen, Päivi; Ilonen, Jorma; Knip, Mikael; Veijola, Riitta

2016-10-01

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) parameters, self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG), HbA1c and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were studied during preclinical type 1 diabetes mellitus. Ten asymptomatic children with multiple (⩾2) islet autoantibodies (cases) and 10 age and sex-matched autoantibody-negative controls from the Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention (DIPP) Study were invited to 7-day CGM with Dexcom G4 Platinum Sensor. HbA1c and two daily SMBG values (morning and evening) were analyzed. Five-point OGTTs were performed and carbohydrate intake was assessed by food records. The matched pairs were compared with the paired sample t-test. The cases showed higher mean values and higher variation in glucose levels during CGM compared to the controls. The time spent ⩾7.8mmol/l was 5.8% in the cases compared to 0.4% in the controls (p=0.040). Postprandial CGM values were similar except after the dinner (6.6mmol/l in cases vs. 6.1mmol/l in controls; p=0.023). When analyzing the SMBG values higher mean level, higher evening levels, as well as higher variation were observed in the cases when compared to the controls. HbA1c was significantly higher in the cases [5.7% (39mmol/mol) vs. 5.3% (34mmol/mol); p=0.045]. No differences were observed in glucose or C-peptide levels during OGTT. Daily carbohydrate intake was slightly higher in the cases (254.2g vs. 217.7g; p=0.034). Glucose levels measured by CGM and SMBG are useful indicators of dysglycemia during preclinical type 1 diabetes mellitus. Increased evening glucose values seem to be common in children with preclinical type 1 diabetes mellitus. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of construal level on unethical behavior.

PubMed

Gamliel, Eyal; Kreiner, Hamutal; McElroy, Todd

2017-01-01

Construal level theory predicts that people will judge immoral events more harshly when these are presented in a way that elicits a higher construal level, relative to a lower construal level. Previous research supported this prediction using an Israeli sample but not a U.S. This article compared Israeli and U.S. samples with respect to the interactive effect of utility and construal level on unethical behavioral intentions. We found that construal level did not affect unethical behavioral intentions in either the U.S. samples for low-utility level or the Israeli samples for low- and high-utility levels. In contrast, construal level affected unethical behavioral intentions in the U.S. sample for high-utility level: unethical behavioral intentions were higher in the low-construal level compared to the high-construal level. We discuss these findings and suggest additional factors that challenge arguments concerning the direct effect of construal level on unethical behavior.

Levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and bone resorption regulators in apical periodontitis lesions infected by Epstein-Barr virus.

PubMed

Jakovljevic, A; Andric, M; Nikolic, N; Coric, V; Krezovic, S; Carkic, J; Knezevic, A; Beljic-Ivanovic, K; Pljesa-Ercegovac, M; Miletic, M; Soldatovic, I; Radosavljevic, T; Jovanovic, T; Simic, T; Ivanovic, V; Milasin, J

2018-06-01

To investigate whether apical periodontitis lesions infected by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) exhibit higher levels of oxidative stress biomarkers [8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG)] and bone resorption regulators [receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG)] compared to EBV-negative periapical lesions and healthy pulp tissues. The experimental group consisted of 30 EBV-positive and 30 EBV-negative periapical lesions collected in conjunction with apicoectomy. The pulp tissues of 20 impacted third molars were used as healthy controls. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of EBV was performed by nested and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. The levels of RANKL and OPG were analysed by reverse transcriptase real-time PCR. The levels of 8-OHdG and GSSG were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearman's correlation were used for statistical analysis. The levels of RANKL, OPG, 8-OHdG and GSSG were significantly higher in apical periodontitis lesions compared to healthy pulp controls (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). RANKL and OPG mRNA expression was significantly higher in EBV-positive compared to EBV-negative periapical lesions (P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between EBV copy numbers and levels of RANKL, OPG, 8OH-dG and GSSG in apical periodontitis. Levels of bone resorption regulators and oxidative stress biomarkers were increased in apical periodontitis compared to healthy pulp tissues. EBV-positive periapical lesions exhibited higher levels of RANKL and OPG compared to EBV-negative periapical lesions. EBV may contribute to progression of apical periodontitis via enhanced production of bone resorption regulators. © 2018 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Evaluation of antioxidants and argpyrimidine in normal and cataractous lenses in north Indian population

PubMed Central

Mynampati, Bharani K; Ghosh, Sujata; Muthukumarappa, Thungapathra; Ram, Jagat

2017-01-01

AIM To assess the level of glutathione, thioltransferase, and argpyrimidine in nuclear and cortical cataractous lenses as well as in the clear lenses in the north Indian population. METHODS Human cataractous lenses were collected from the patients who underwent extracapsular cataract extraction surgery; clear lenses were collected from the freshly donated eye bank eyes. Antioxidant molecules such as glutathione and thioltransferase enzyme activity were measured; simultaneously in these lenses a blue fluorophore argpyrimidine, an advanced glycation end (AGE) product level was assessed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS The protein concentration was found to be present at higher levels in the control lenses compared to cataract lenses. A significant decrease in the glutathione level was observed in the nuclear cataractous lenses compared to cortical cataractous (P=0.004) and clear lenses (P≤0.005), but no significant change in the level of antioxidant enzyme thioltransferase was observed. Further, argpyrimidine a blue fluorophore (AGE) was found to be significantly higher in the nuclear cataract (P=0.013) compared to cortical cataract lenses. CONCLUSION Antioxidants such as glutathione significantly decrease in age-related nuclear and cortical cataract and an AGE, argpyrimidine are present at significantly higher levels in nuclear cataract. PMID:28730112

Social and environmental factors affecting fecal glucocorticoids in wild, female white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus).

PubMed

Carnegie, Sarah D; Fedigan, Linda M; Ziegler, Toni E

2011-09-01

Assessing glucocorticoid levels in free-ranging nonhuman primates provides a means to determine the social and environmental stress load for individuals. We investigated the effect of four proximate variables--reproductive state, season, male rank stability, and dominance rank--on the level of fecal glucocorticoids (cortisol metabolites) in eight adult female white-faced capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica. Reproductive state, season, and male rank stability significantly affected fecal glucocorticoids while female dominance rank did not. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in pregnant females as compared with lactating or other reproductive states. Cortisol levels were higher among females during the dry season compared with the wet season, suggesting a metabolic adaptation to maintain homeostasis in drier, hotter conditions. Although unfamiliar males present a greater infanticidal threat than do familiar ones, we found that females experienced higher glucocorticoid levels during male rank instability events, regardless of whether the alpha male role was taken over by a familiar or an unfamiliar male. Our findings provide important benchmark and comparative data for future studies on the variables that affect glucocorticoid levels in this species and other mammals. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Cytokine Profile in Chronic Periodontitis Patients with and without Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Abduljabbar, Tariq; Abu Hassan, Mohamed Ibrahim; Vohra, Fahim

2016-01-01

To investigate the cytokine profile as biomarkers in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of chronic periodontitis (CP) patients with and without obesity, MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, and SCOPUS databases were combined with handsearching of articles published from 1977 up to May 2016 using relevant MeSH terms. Meta-analyses were conducted separately for each of the cytokines: resistin, adiponectin, TNF-α, leptin, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β. Forest plots were produced reporting standardized mean difference of outcomes and 95% confidence intervals. Eleven studies were included. Three studies showed comparable levels of leptin among obese and nonobese patients with CP. Four studies reported comparable levels of interleukin- (IL-) 6 and resistin whereas five studies reported comparable levels of adiponectin. Two studies reported similar levels of CRP in patients with periodontitis with and without obesity. One study showed higher levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in obese patients with CP. One study showed higher levels of IL-1β and IL-8 in obese patients with CP. The level of localized periodontal inflammation may have a greater influence on the GCF proinflammatory biomarker levels as compared to systemic obesity. Whether patients having chronic periodontitis with obesity have elevated proinflammatory GCF biomarkers levels compared to nonobese individuals remains debatable. PMID:27795608

Prolactin and hostility in hospitalised patients and healthy women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Barry, J A; Moran, E; Thomas, M; Hardiman, P J

2015-01-01

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess any difference in the self-ratings of hostility in mentally healthy women with different levels of prolactin (PRL). Electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library) were searched up to 2nd July 2012 for published literature comparing hostility levels in women with different levels of PRL. Keyword pairs ('prolactin' and 'aggression', 'prolactin' and 'hostil*', 'prolactin' and 'anger', and 'prolactin' and 'angry') were entered simultaneously. From 1065 resulting titles, and one unpublished study, 214 articles underwent full-text review by authors JB and EM. Studies were selected based on clinical relevance. Eight comparative studies consisting of 242 female patients with high PRL levels, 207 female patients with normal PRL levels and 127 healthy controls with normal PRL levels were included. Data were analysed using the inverse variance method with a random-effects model. Analysis revealed significantly higher hostility in patients with high PRL compared with that in healthy control women (Z = 1.94, p < 0.05; Hedges' g = 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.01-1.45), significantly higher hostility in patient controls compared with that in healthy controls (Z = 1.94, p < 0.05; Hedges' g = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.00-0.94) and non-significantly higher hostility levels in patients with high PRL compared with that in patients with normal PRL levels (Z = 1.45, p < 0.15; Hedges' g = 0.38; 95% CI: -0.13-0.89). In this meta-analysis, hostility appears to be accounted for partly by PRL levels and also partly by patient status, perhaps due to the stress of being a patient. Methodological considerations and implications for patient care are discussed.

Comparing School-Level to Private Higher Education: Using the Dominican Republic as a Pioneer Study. PROPHE Working Paper Series. WP No. 8

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mendoza, Ancell Scheker

2007-01-01

This working paper reviews concepts and categories developed in private higher education research, analyzing their applicability to lower levels of education. Most specifically and prominently, the paper uses the three waves of private growth identified in Latin American higher education--Catholic, elite, and demand-absorbing--and categories of…

Determining the diagnostic value of endogenous carbon monoxide in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations.

PubMed

Dogan, Nurettin Özgür; Corbacioglu, Seref Kerem; Bildik, Fikret; Kilicaslan, Isa; Günaydin, Gül Pamukcu; Cevik, Yunsur; Ülker, Volkan; Hakoglu, Onur; Gökcen, Emre

2014-09-01

To determine whether endogenous carbon monoxide levels in exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients were higher compared to healthy individuals and to investigate alteration of carbon monoxide levels across the three different severity stages of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria related to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease exacerbations. The prospective study was conducted from January to March 2011 at two medical institutions in Ankara, Turkey, and comprised patients of acute Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease exacerbations. The severity of the exacerbations was based on the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria. Patients with active tobacco smoking, suspicious carbon monoxide poisoning and uncertain diagnosis were excluded. healthy control subjects who did not have any comorbid diseases and smoking habitus were also enrolled to compare the differences between carboxyhaemoglobin levels A two-tailed Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction was done following a Kruskal-Wallis test for statistical purposes. There were 90 patients and 81 controls in the study. Carboxyhaemoglobin levels were higher in the patients than the controls (p < 0.001). As for the three severity stages, Group 1 had a median carboxyhaemoglobin of 1.6 (0.95- 2.00). The corresponding levels in Group 2 (1.8 [1.38-2.20]) and Group 3 (1.9 [1.5-3.0]) were higher than the controls (p < 0.001 and p < 0.005 respectively). No statistically significant difference between Group 1 and the controls (1.30 [1.10-1.55]) was observed (p < 0.434). Carboxyhaemoglobin levels were significantly higher in exacerbations compared with the normal population. Also, in more serious exacerbations, carboxyhaemoglobin levels were significantly increased compared with healthy individuals and mild exacerbations.

Correlation between plasma component levels of cultured fish and resistance to bacterial infection

USGS Publications Warehouse

Maita, M.; Satoh, K.-I.; Fukuda, Y.; Lee, H.-K.; Winton, J.R.; Okamoto, N.

1998-01-01

Mortalities of yellowtail Seriola quinqueradiata artificially infected with Lactococcus garvieae and of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss artificially infected with Vibrio anguillarum were compared with the levels of plasma components measured prior to challenge. The levels of plasma total cholesterol, free cholesterol and phospholipid of fish surviving infection were significantly higher in both yellowtail and rainbow trout than those of fish which died during the challenge test. Mortality of yellowtail with plasma total cholesterol levels lower than 250 mg/100 ml was significantly higher than that of fish which had cholesterol levels higher than 275 mg/100 ml (p < 0.05). Rainbow trout whose cholesterol was lower than 520 mg/100 ml suffered a significantly higher mortality due to vibriosis than fish having cholesterol levels higher than 560 mg/100 ml (p < 0.005). These results indicate that low levels of plasma lipid components may be an indicator of lowered disease resistance in cultured fish.

Gender differences in methionine accumulation and metabolism in freshly isolated mouse hepatocytes: Potential roles in toxicity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dever, Joseph T.; Elfarra, Adnan A.

L-Methionine (Met) is hepatotoxic at high concentrations. Because Met toxicity in freshly isolated mouse hepatocytes is gender-dependent, the goal of this study was to assess the roles of Met accumulation and metabolism in the increased sensitivity of male hepatocytes to Met toxicity compared with female hepatocytes. Male hepatocytes incubated with Met (30 mM) at 37 {sup o}C exhibited higher levels of intracellular Met at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 h, respectively, compared to female hepatocytes. Conversely, female hepatocytes had higher levels of S-adenosyl-L-methionine compared to male hepatocytes. Female hepatocytes also exhibited higher L-methionine-L-sulfoxide levels relative to control hepatocytes, whereas the increasesmore » in L-methionine-D-sulfoxide (Met-D-O) levels were similar in hepatocytes of both genders. Addition of aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA), an inhibitor of Met transamination, significantly increased Met levels at 1.5 h and increased Met-D-O levels at 1.0 and 1.5 h only in Met-exposed male hepatocytes. No gender differences in cytosolic Met transamination activity by glutamine transaminase K were detected. However, female mouse liver cytosol exhibited higher methionine-DL-sulfoxide (MetO) reductase activity than male mouse liver cytosol at low (0.25 and 0.5 mM) MetO concentrations. Collectively, these results suggest that increased cellular Met accumulation, decreased Met transmethylation, and increased Met and MetO transamination in male mouse hepatocytes may be contributing to the higher sensitivity of the male mouse hepatocytes to Met toxicity in comparison with female mouse hepatocytes.« less

The effect of graphical and numerical presentation of hypothetical prenatal diagnosis results on risk perception.

PubMed

Siegrist, Michael; Orlow, Pascale; Keller, Carmen

2008-01-01

To evaluate various formats for the communication of prenatal test results. In study 1 (N=400), female students completed a questionnaire assessing risk perception, affect, and perceived usefulness of prenatal test results. A randomized, 2 (risk level; low, high) x 4 (format; ratio with numerator 1, ratio with denominator 1000, Paling Perspective Scale, pictograms) design was used. Study 2 (N=200) employed a 2 (risk level; low, high) x 2 (format; Paling Perspective Scale, risk comparisons in numerical format) design. In study 1, the Paling Perspective Scale resulted in a higher level of perceived risk across different risk levels compared with the other formats. Furthermore, participants in the low-risk group perceived the test results as less risky compared with participants in the high-risk group (P < 0.001) when the Paling Perspective Scale was used. No significant differences between low and high risks were observed for the other 3 formats. In study 2, the Paling Perspective Scale evoked higher levels of perceived risks relative to the numerical presentation of risk comparisons. For both formats, we found that participants confronted with a high risk perceived test results as more risky compared with participants confronted with a low risk. The Paling Perspective Scale resulted in a higher level of perceived risk compared with the other formats. This effect must be taken into account when choosing a graphical or numerical format for risk communication.

Understanding the High Prevalence of Diabetes in U.S. South Asians Compared With Four Racial/Ethnic Groups: The MASALA and MESA Studies

PubMed Central

Kanaya, Alka M.; Herrington, David; Vittinghoff, Eric; Ewing, Susan K.; Liu, Kiang; Blaha, Michael J.; Dave, Swapna S.; Qureshi, Fareeha; Kandula, Namratha R.

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVE We compared South Asians with four other racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. to determine whether sociodemographic, lifestyle, or metabolic factors could explain the higher diabetes prevalence and whether insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction occurred at younger ages and/or lower adiposity levels compared with other groups. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis of two community-based cohorts, the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study and the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA); all participants had no known cardiovascular disease and were between 44 and 84 years of age. We compared 799 South Asians with 2,611 whites, 1,879 African Americans, 1,493 Latinos, and 801 Chinese Americans. Type 2 diabetes was classified by fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL or use of a diabetes medication. Insulin resistance was estimated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and β-cell function was measured by the HOMA-β model. RESULTS South Asians had significantly higher age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes (23%) than the MESA ethnic groups (6% in whites, 18% in African Americans, 17% in Latinos, and 13% in Chinese Americans). This difference increased further after adjustment for potential confounders. HOMA of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels were significantly higher and HOMA-β levels were lower among South Asians compared with all other racial/ethnic groups after adjustment for age and adiposity. CONCLUSIONS The higher prevalence of diabetes in South Asians is not explained by traditionally measured risk factors. South Asians may have lower β-cell function and an inability to compensate adequately for higher glucose levels from insulin resistance. PMID:24705613

Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning Strategy Enhances Students’ Higher Level Thinking Skills in a Pharmaceutical Sciences Course

PubMed Central

Verlinden, Nathan; Kruger, Nicholas; Carroll, Ailey; Trumbo, Tiffany

2015-01-01

Objective. To determine if the process-oriented guided inquiry learning (POGIL) teaching strategy improves student performance and engages higher-level thinking skills of first-year pharmacy students in an Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences course. Design. Overall examination scores and scores on questions categorized as requiring either higher-level or lower-level thinking skills were compared in the same course taught over 3 years using traditional lecture methods vs the POGIL strategy. Student perceptions of the latter teaching strategy were also evaluated. Assessment. Overall mean examination scores increased significantly when POGIL was implemented. Performance on questions requiring higher-level thinking skills was significantly higher, whereas performance on questions requiring lower-level thinking skills was unchanged when the POGIL strategy was used. Student feedback on use of this teaching strategy was positive. Conclusion. The use of the POGIL strategy increased student overall performance on examinations, improved higher-level thinking skills, and provided an interactive class setting. PMID:25741027

Comparative case-control study of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid levels in patients with epilepsy.

PubMed

Pulido Fontes, L; Pulido Fontes, M; Quesada Jiménez, P; Muruzabal Pérez, J; Mendioroz Iriarte, M

2017-09-01

Increased blood homocysteine levels are a known cardiovascular risk factor. Epileptic patients on long-term treatment with antiepileptic drugs may present higher homocysteine levels and, consequently, a potential increase in cardiovascular risk. We conducted an observational case-control study to compare plasma levels of homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B 12 . Our study included a total of 88 subjects: 52 patients with epilepsy and 36 controls. Epileptic patients showed higher homocysteine levels (P=.084) and lower levels of folic acid (P<.05). Homocysteine levels should be monitored in epileptic patients on long-term treatment with antiepileptic drugs. We suggest starting specific treatment in patients with high homocysteine levels. Copyright © 2016 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

EDITORIAL: Deeper, broader, higher, better?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dobson, Ken

1998-07-01

Honorary Editor The standard of educational achievement in England and Wales is frequently criticized, and it seems to be an axiom of government that schools and teachers need to be shaken up, kept on a tight rein, copiously inspected, shamed and blamed as required: in general, subjected to the good old approach of: ' Find out what Johnny is doing and tell him to stop.' About the only exception to this somewhat severe attitude is at A-level, where the standard is simply golden. Often, comparisons are made between the performance of, say, English children and that of their coevals in other countries, with different customs, systems, aims and languages. But there has been a recent comparison of standards at A-level with a non-A-level system of pre-university education, in an English-speaking country that both sends students to English universities and accepts theirs into its own, and is, indeed, represented in the UK government at well above the level expected from its ethnical weighting in the population. This semi-foreign country is Scotland. The conclusions of the study are interesting. Scotland has had its own educational system, with `traditional breadth', and managed to escape much of the centralized authoritarianism that we have been through south of the border. It is interesting to note that, while for the past dozen years or so the trend in A-level Physics entries has been downwards, there has been an increase in the take-up of Scottish `Highers'. Highers is a one-year course. Is its popularity due to its being easier than A-level? Scottish students keen enough to do more can move on to the Certificate of Sixth Year Studies, and will shortly be able to upgrade a Higher Level into an Advanced Higher Level. A comparability study [ Comparability Study of Scottish Qualifications and GCE Advanced Levels: Report on Physics January 1998 (free from SQA)] was carried out by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) with the aim (amongst others) of helping universities make a fair comparison between grades attained in A-Levels and Highers, CSYS and Advanced Highers. It was a fairly limited exercise, but a careful one, carried out by examiners and teachers rather than statisticians. They compared syllabuses, questions and candidates' answers. I quote: '... the two years of study for A-level perhaps means that there is a secure, consolidated grasp of the basics; more than the Higher candidate after one year. But there is no evidence of this from candidates' scripts.' Comparing syllabuses, the report noted a greater mathematical demand in Scotland: 'The rigour or depth of treatment is generally lower in the Syllabus Y [an A-level syllabus.] than in CSYS or Advanced Higher because many topics have a qualitative treatment rather than the mathematical treatment of CSYS and AH.' Adding a certain sting to its tail, the report concludes: `Many of the CSYS candidates will have achieved excellent grades at Higher... in four or five subjects before proceeding to CSYS. Scottish candidates tend to have qualifications in a broader range of subjects.' Perhaps this is why they get to be in charge everywhere.

Cognitive Alexithymia Is Associated with the Degree of Risk for Psychosis

PubMed Central

van der Velde, Jorien; Swart, Marte; van Rijn, Sophie; van der Meer, Lisette; Wunderink, Lex; Wiersma, Durk; Krabbendam, Lydia; Bruggeman, Richard; Aleman, André

2015-01-01

Alexithymia is a personality construct denoting emotion processing problems. It has been suggested to encompass two dimensions: a cognitive and affective dimension. The cognitive dimension is characterized by difficulties in identifying, verbalizing and analyzing emotions, while the affective dimension reflects the level of emotional arousal and imagination. Alexithymia has been previously proposed as a risk factor for developing psychosis. More specifically, the two alexithymia dimensions might be differentially related to the vulnerability for psychosis. Therefore, we examined the two dimensions of alexithymia, measured with the BVAQ in 94 siblings of patients with schizophrenia, 52 subjects at ultra-high risk (UHR) for developing psychosis, 38 patients with schizophrenia and 109 healthy controls. The results revealed that siblings and patients had higher levels of cognitive alexithymia compared to controls. In addition, subjects at UHR for psychosis had even higher levels of cognitive alexithymia compared to the siblings. The levels of affective alexithymia in siblings and patients were equal to controls. However, UHR individuals had significantly lower levels of affective alexithymia (i.e. higher levels of emotional arousal and fantasizing) compared to controls. Alexithymia was further related to subclinical levels of negative and depressive symptoms. These findings indicate that alexithymia varies parametrically with the degree of risk for psychosis. More specifically, a type-II alexithymia pattern, with high levels of cognitive alexithymia and normal or low levels of affective alexithymia, might be a vulnerability factor for psychosis. PMID:26030357

Evaluation of Intraocular Inflammation with Laser Flare Photometry in Behçet Uveitis.

PubMed

Yalcindag, Fatime Nilufer; Bingol Kiziltunc, Pinar; Savku, Esra

2017-02-01

To evaluate the association between intraocular inflammation and laser flare photometry measurements in Behçet disease. In total, 45 patients were included in the study. The retrospective chart reviews of patients were performed. The flare levels were compared with the grade of anterior chamber cells, the presence of vitreous cells, the complications of uveitis, and fluorescein angiography scores. The attack group had higher flare intensity; the flare levels were higher in both groups compared with the values of healthy controls. The flare levels were related to the grade of the anterior chamber cells, the presence of vitreous cells and the fluorescein angiography scores. Patients with optic atrophy and/or maculopathy also had higher values. Higher flare values were correlated with poor vision. Laser flare photometry may reduce the necessity of fluorescein angiography in monitoring subclinical inflammation and may be an indicator of posterior segment activity when fluorescein angiography is not applicable.

Association of the osteopontin rs1126616 polymorphism and a higher serum osteopontin level with lupus nephritis

PubMed Central

SALIMI, SAEEDEH; NOORA, MEHRANGIZ; NABIZADEH, SIMA; REZAEI, MAHNAZ; SHAHRAKI, HOSSAIN; MILAD, MOHAMMADOO-KHORASSANI; NAGHAVI, ANOOSH; FARAJIAN-MASHHADI, FARZANEH; ZAKERI, ZAHRA; SANDOUGHI, MAHNAZ

2016-01-01

Osteopontin (OPN) is a chemokine-like glycoprotein that has a prominent role in regulating inflammation and immunity. OPN polymorphisms and elevated OPN levels are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in several populations. The aim of present study was to evaluate the association between the OPN rs1126616 polymorphism and OPN level with SLE susceptibility. A total of 163 SLE patients and 180 age-, gender- and ethnically matched controls were genotyped for the rs1126616 polymorphism by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Serum OPN levels were assayed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There was no association between the OPN rs1126616 C/T polymorphism and SLE. The frequency of the OPN rs1126616 CT genotype was significantly higher in SLE patients with nephritis compared to SLE patients without nephritis and controls. Additionally, the frequency of TT genotypes was higher in SLE patients with nephritis compared to controls. The serum OPN levels were significantly higher in SLE patients compared to controls (50.6±22 vs. 35.6±15.8 ng/ml, P<0.001). Increased serum OPN levels were observed in SLE patients with lupus nephritis and joint symptoms. There was no correlation between OPN levels and the OPN rs1126616 polymorphism. The present data suggest that the CT and TT genotypes of the OPN rs1126616 polymorphism could be a risk factor for lupus nephritis. The OPN level is associated with SLE and certain SLE manifestations. However, there was no association between the OPN rs1126616 C/T polymorphism and SLE susceptibility. PMID:26998275

Comparison of Selected Metals Content in Cambodian Striped Snakehead Fish (Channa striata) Using Solar Drying System and Open Sun Drying

PubMed Central

Abu Bakar, Nur Faizah; Fudholi, Ahmad; Ruslan, Mohd Hafidz; Saroeun, Im

2015-01-01

The content of 12 elements in Cambodian dried striped snakehead fish was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The present study compares the level of the trace toxic metals and nutritional trace elements in the fish processed using solar drying system (SDS) and open sun drying (OSD). The skin of SDS fish has lower level of As, Pb, and Cd compared to the OSD sample. As such, the flesh of the fish accumulated higher amount of toxic metals during OSD compared to SDS. However, arsenic was detected in both samples within the safe limit. The nutritional elements (Fe, Mn, Mg, Se, Mo, Cu, Ni, and Cr) were higher in the skin sample SDS fish compared to OSD fish. These beneficial metals were not accumulated in the flesh sample SDS fish demonstrating lower level compared to drying under conventional system. The reddish coloration of the SDS fish was due to the presence of high Cu content in both the skin and flesh samples which possibly account for no mold formation 5 days after packaging. As conclusion, drying of Cambodian C. striata using solar-assisted system has proven higher content of the nutritious elements compared to using the conventional system despite only slight difference in the toxic metals level between the two systems. PMID:25688274

Mutational subtypes of JAK2 and CALR correlate with different clinical features in Japanese patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms.

PubMed

Misawa, Kyohei; Yasuda, Hajime; Araki, Marito; Ochiai, Tomonori; Morishita, Soji; Shirane, Shuichi; Edahiro, Yoko; Gotoh, Akihiko; Ohsaka, Akimichi; Komatsu, Norio

2018-06-01

The majority of patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) harbor JAK2, CALR, or MPL mutations. We compared clinical manifestations of different subtypes of JAK2 and CALR mutations in Japanese patients with MPNs. Within our cohort, we diagnosed 166 patients as polycythemia vera (PV), 212 patients as essential thrombocythemia (ET), 23 patients as pre-primary myelofibrosis (PMF), 65 patients as overt PMF, and 27 patients as secondary myelofibrosis following the 2016 WHO criteria. Compared to patients with JAK2V617F-mutated PV, JAK2 exon 12-mutated PV patients were younger, showed lower white blood cell (WBC) counts, lower platelet counts, higher red blood cell counts, and higher frequency of thrombotic events. Compared to JAK2-mutated ET patients, CALR-mutated ET patients were younger, showed lower WBC counts, lower hemoglobin levels, higher platelet counts, and fewer thrombotic events. CALR type 1-like mutation was the dominant subtype in CALR-mutated overt PMF patients. Compared with JAK2V617F-mutated ET patients, JAK2V617F-mutated pre-PMF patients showed higher LDH levels, lower hemoglobin levels, higher JAK2V617F allele burden, and higher frequency of splenomegaly. In conclusion, Japanese patients with MPNs grouped by different mutation subtypes exhibit characteristics similar to those of their Western counterparts. In addition, ET and pre-PMF patients show different characteristics, even when restricted to JAK2V617F-mutated patients.

Lower levels of Persistent Organic Pollutants, metals and the marine omega 3-fatty acid DHA in farmed compared to wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lundebye, Anne-Katrine, E-mail: aha@nifes.no

Contaminants and fatty acid levels in farmed- versus wild Atlantic salmon have been a hot topic of debate in terms of food safety. The present study determined dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), metals and fatty acids in wild and farmed Atlantic salmon. Contaminant levels of dioxins, PCBs, OCPs (DDT, dieldrin, lindane, chlordane, Mirex, and toxaphene), and mercury were higher in wild salmon than in farmed salmon, as were the concentrations of the essential elements selenium, copper, zinc and iron, and the marine omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). PBDE, endosulfan,more » pentachlorobenzene, hexachlorobenzene, cadmium and lead levels were low and comparable in both wild and farmed fish, and there was no significant difference in the marine omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentration. The total fat content was significantly higher in farmed than wild salmon due to a higher content of both saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, as well as a higher content of omega-6 fatty acids. The omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio was considerably lower in farmed than wild salmon due to the high level of omega-6 fatty acids. Contaminant concentrations in Atlantic salmon were well below maximum levels applicable in the European Union. Atlantic salmon, both farmed and wild, is a good source of EPA and DHA with a 200 g portion per week contributing 3.2 g or 2.8 g respectively, being almost twice the intake considered adequate for adults by the European Food Safety Authority (i.e. 250 mg/day or 1.75 g/week). - Highlights: • A comprehensive study of contaminants and nutrients in farmed- and wild Atlantic salmon. • Wild salmon had higher levels of persistent organic pollutants and mercury than farmed salmon. • Farmed salmon had higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids than wild salmon. • Farmed- and wild salmon had comparable levels of EPA, whereas farmed salmon had lower levels of DHA.« less

Oxidative stress in patients with essential hypertension: a comparison of dippers and non-dippers.

PubMed

Gönenç, Aymelek; Hacışevki, Aysun; Tavil, Yusuf; Çengel, Atiye; Torun, Meral

2013-03-01

Oxidative stress seems to play an important role in the pathophysiology of essential hypertension. We aimed to examine serum MDA, NO, 8-OHdG, ADMA, NT, CoQ10 and TAC as biomarkers of oxidative stress in dipper and non-dipper hypertensive patients. Eighteen dipper hypertensives, 20 non-dipper hypertensives and 22 healthy control subjects were included in the study. Clinical assessment and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were performed in patients. Serum MDA, TAC and NO levels were measured by using spectrophotometric methods. CoQ10 levels were measured by HPLC method. 8-OHdG, ADMA and NT were quantitated by ELISA methods. MDA levels were significantly higher in dipper and non-dipper groups compared to controls (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). TAC levels were found at low level in patients dipper and non-dipper patients compared to control group (p<0.01). Higher ADMA and NT levels but lower CoQ10 levels were found in non-dipper group compared to healthy controls (p<0.01, p<0.05, and p<0.05, respectively). ADMA levels were found higher in non-dipper group than those of dipper group (p<0.01). Increased ADMA, NT levels and decreased CoQ10 levels in non-dipper hypertensive patients might indicate more severe oxidative stres compared with dipper hypertensive patients, which plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Increased MDA and reduced TAC levels might be considered as prospective prognostic markers of the development of cardiovascular diseases in dipper and non-dipper hypertensive patients. Copyright © 2012 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of Canning and Freezing on the Nutritional Content of Apricots.

PubMed

Adkison, Erin Claire; Biasi, William B; Bikoba, Veronique; Holstege, Dirk M; Mitcham, Elizabeth J

2018-05-22

The effect of commercial canning and freezing on the nutritional content of fresh apricots was investigated. Processed samples were analyzed post-processing and after 3 months of storage and compared directly to fresh apricots from the same source. Vitamin C, beta-carotene, total phenols, and antioxidants were quantified. Compared to fresh, canned apricots initially exhibited similar levels of antioxidants, a 17% increase in beta-carotene, and a 48% increase in phenols, while vitamin C was reduced by 37%. After 3 months of storage, antioxidant levels were 47% higher than fresh. Vitamin C did not change significantly following storage and beta-carotene decreased by 15%. The canned apricot fruit packed in light syrup did not have higher total soluble solids (TSS) levels indicating no increase in fruit sugar content. Frozen apricots exhibited large increases in antioxidants (529%), beta-carotene (35%), vitamin C (3,370%), and phenols (406%) compared to fresh. After 3 months of storage, frozen apricots decreased in vitamin C (29%) and phenols (17%), but remained 2,375% and 318% higher than fresh, respectively. Beta-carotene increased during storage, reaching levels 56% higher than fresh while antioxidant activity was unchanged. This study demonstrates that key nutrients in canned and frozen apricots are retained or amplified upon processing, with the exception of vitamin C in canned apricots. The routine addition of citric and ascorbic acid to fruit prior to freezing resulted in significantly higher antioxidants, vitamin C, and phenols. Consumers eating canned or frozen apricots can feel confident of similar or superior nutritional content as compared to fresh apricots. The apricot industry is limited by the short shelf life of the fruit and consumer belief that processed produce is not as nutritious as fresh. Assessing the nutritional content of canned and frozen apricots and determining that processed apricots can deliver nearly comparable nutrient levels to fresh apricots provides the evidence needed to dispel these misconceptions and potentially increase demand for processed apricots among consumers. © 2018 Institute of Food Technologists®.

A QUANTITATIVE REVIEW OF OVERJUSTIFICATION EFFECTS IN PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

PubMed Central

Levy, Allison; DeLeon, Iser G.; Martinez, Catherine K.; Fernandez, Nathalie; Gage, Nicholas A.; Sigurđsson, Sigurđur Óli; Frank-Crawford, Michelle A.

2016-01-01

The overjustification hypothesis suggests that extrinsic rewards undermine intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic rewards are common in strengthening behavior in persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities; we examined overjustification effects in this context. A literature search yielded 65 data sets permitting comparison of responding during an initial no-reinforcement phase to a subsequent no-reinforcement phase, separated by a reinforcement phase. We used effect sizes to compare response levels in these two no-reinforcement phases. Overall, the mean effect size did not differ from zero; levels in the second no-reinforcement phase were equally likely to be higher or lower than in the first. However, in contrast to the overjustification hypothesis, levels were higher in the second no-reinforcement phase when comparing the single no-reinforcement sessions immediately before and after reinforcement. Outcomes consistent with the overjustification hypothesis were somewhat more likely when the target behavior occurred at relatively higher levels prior to reinforcement. PMID:27739068

Assessment of guilt and shame in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer compared with patients with breast and prostate cancer.

PubMed

LoConte, Noelle K; Else-Quest, Nicole M; Eickhoff, Jens; Hyde, Janet; Schiller, Joan H

2008-05-01

Patients with lung cancer might feel more guilt and shame resulting from previous smoking. This study was designed to determine the levels of guilt and shame among patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared with breast and prostate cancer. Surveys were sent to participants 3 times (at enrollment, 2 months, and 6 months). Patients were eligible if they had stage IV NSCLC, breast cancer, or prostate cancer. The survey included tests of generalized guilt, shame, depression, and anxiety as well as guilt, shame, and embarrassment related to one's cancer. One hundred seventy-two participants completed >or= 1 questionnaire: 96 patients with NSCLC, 30 patients with breast cancer, and 46 patients with prostate cancer. Of the patients with NSCLC, 91.7% were current or former smokers versus 67.1% of the comparison patients. A composite score of embarrassment related to one's cancer (perceived cancer-related stigma; PCRS) was higher in patients with NSCLC (P < .01). Mean baseline generalized guilt and shame scores were not different among groups and did not change over time. A history of smoking correlated with increased levels of guilt and shame, regardless of tumor type. A personal identification of past behaviors as contributing to cancer correlated with higher levels of guilt, shame, anxiety, and depression. Of the patients with NSCLC, 29.5% felt that their behaviors contributed to their cancer compared with 10.5% of the comparison patients. Patients with NSCLC had higher levels of PCRS than patients with prostate cancer or breast cancer but not higher baseline levels of shame and guilt. Smoking is correlated with higher levels of guilt and shame. A belief that one caused one's own cancer is correlated with higher levels of guilt, shame, anxiety, and depression. These findings could be translated into an increased need for open communication among patients and their providers surrounding issues of cancer causation, guilt, shame, depression, and anxiety.

[Comparative characteristics of the basic blood lipid and apolipoprotein spectrum in groups of patients from Moscow and Bordeaux with ischemic heart disease].

PubMed

Perova, N V; Bonne, Zh; Nechaev, A S; Shcherbakova, I A; Metel'skaia, V A

1986-01-01

A comparative diagnostic examination of patients with chest pains in Moscow and Bordeaux revealed in both cities a higher level of total plasma cholesterol and apo B/A-I ratio in CHD patients with angiographically documented coronary atherosclerosis than in men without CHD. CHD patients from Bordeaux had higher levels of total and HDL cholesterol and a lower triglyceride level than patients from an analogous Moscow group. Both in Moscow and Bordeaux inhabitants the determination of the levels and the ratio of plasma apo B lipoprotein to A-I apolipoprotein proved highly informative for diagnosing atherogenous shifts in the lipoprotein system.

Serum telomerase levels in smokers and smokeless tobacco users as Maras powder.

PubMed

Bozkuş, Fulsen; Atilla, Nurhan; Şimşek, Seçil; Kurutaş, Ergül; Samur, Anıl; Arpağ, Hüseyin; Kahraman, Hasan

2017-09-01

To the best of our knowledge, no previous study regarding the serum telomerase levels in Maras powder users (MPUs) has been founded. The aim of the current study was to investigate serum telomerase levels in smokers and MPUs. The study was carried out with 98 patients (36 MPUs, 32 smokers and 30 non-smokers). Blood samples were collected, and after having measured the serum telomerase and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of the patients, comparison were made between the groups. It has been observed that the serum telomerase and MDA levels of smokers (p< 0.001) and MPUs (p< 0.001) were significantly higher compared to those of the non-smoker control subjects. In addition, the levels of serum telomerase and MDA were observed to be higher in the MPU group compared to those of the smoker group (p< 0.001). The levels of serum telomerase and MDA were observed to be higher among MPUs and smokers. In this context, it may be useful to further measure and assess telomerase activity in such patients in order to better determine the harmful effects associated with these habits.

Change in the antioxidative capacity of extraocular muscles in patients with exotropia.

PubMed

Jung, Su Kyung; Choi, Jun Sob; Shin, Sun Young

2015-04-01

We compared the oxidative stress and antioxidant capacities of the medial rectus muscles (MRMs) between the patients with constant exotropia and control subjects. A total of 40 MRMs from patients with constant exotropia and 40 MRMs from normal donor eyes (controls) were assessed. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase levels were compared between the two groups using western blot analysis. In addition, the lipofuscin accumulation level was compared between the exotropic and control groups. According to western blot analysis, the nNOS level was significantly higher in the exotropic group than in the control group (P < 0.05). On the other hand, a catalase expression level was higher in the control group than in the exotropic group (P < 0.05). The SOD1 level did not show a significant difference between the two groups. The relative lipofuscin fluorescence intensity was higher in the exotropic group than in the control group (P < 0.001). Based on these findings, the MRMs of patients with exotropia had a redox imbalance status. Further study is needed to investigate whether this imbalance in antioxidant capacity is present in the extraocular muscles of patients with other strabismus.

Aggravation of Helicobacter pylori stomach infections in stressed military recruits.

PubMed

Jia, Keran; An, Liyun; Wang, Fukun; Shi, Lanchun; Ran, Xiangyang; Wang, Xianling; He, Zhanguo; Chen, Jing

2016-04-01

To investigate the effect of military stress on immune response and Helicobacter pylori stomach infections. In this prospective, observational study, the Symptom Checklist-90 questionnaire was completed by military recruits before and following a 3-month basic training programme. H. pylori immunoglobulin (Ig)G levels, C(14)-urea breath-test values and levels of cortisol, catecholamine, and certain humoral and cellular immune responses were measured before and after the basic training. For 60 military recruits, somatization, depression and paranoid ideation scores were significantly increased after, compared with before, basic training. Post-training H. pylori IgG detection revealed three additional cases of H. pylori infection. Post-training C(14)-urea breath-test values were significantly higher compared with before training - thus suggesting higher levels of H. pylori colonization in the stomach. Post-training cortisol and catecholamine levels were increased, while serum IgG levels were decreased; complement component (C)3 and C4 levels remained unchanged. Post-training CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell percentages and the CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio were significantly reduced compared with before training. Serum interleukin (IL)-2 levels were lower and IL-10 levels were higher following training and there was a significant decrease in the IL-2/IL-10 ratio. Military stress may reduce humoral and cellular immune responses and may aggravate the severity of H. pylori infection. © The Author(s) 2016.

Aggravation of Helicobacter pylori stomach infections in stressed military recruits

PubMed Central

Jia, Keran; An, Liyun; Shi, Lanchun; Ran, Xiangyang; Wang, Xianling; He, Zhanguo; Chen, Jing

2016-01-01

Objective To investigate the effect of military stress on immune response and Helicobacter pylori stomach infections. Methods In this prospective, observational study, the Symptom Checklist-90 questionnaire was completed by military recruits before and following a 3-month basic training programme. H. pylori immunoglobulin (Ig)G levels, C14-urea breath-test values and levels of cortisol, catecholamine, and certain humoral and cellular immune responses were measured before and after the basic training. Results For 60 military recruits, somatization, depression and paranoid ideation scores were significantly increased after, compared with before, basic training. Post-training H. pylori IgG detection revealed three additional cases of H. pylori infection. Post-training C14-urea breath-test values were significantly higher compared with before training – thus suggesting higher levels of H. pylori colonization in the stomach. Post-training cortisol and catecholamine levels were increased, while serum IgG levels were decreased; complement component (C)3 and C4 levels remained unchanged. Post-training CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell percentages and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio were significantly reduced compared with before training. Serum interleukin (IL)-2 levels were lower and IL-10 levels were higher following training and there was a significant decrease in the IL-2/IL-10 ratio. Conclusion Military stress may reduce humoral and cellular immune responses and may aggravate the severity of H. pylori infection. PMID:26800706

Self-perceived oral health and whole salivary immunoglobulin G levels in habitual gutka-chewers and nonchewers.

PubMed

Alshehri, F A; Al-Kheraif, A A; Aldosary, K M; Vohra, F; Malmstrom, H; Romanos, G E; Javed, F

2016-01-01

To assess self-perceived oral health and whole salivary immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels among habitual gutka-chewers and nonchewers (controls). Fifty gutka-chewers and fifty controls were included. Demographic data and self-perceived oral health status (pain in teeth, pain on chewing, bleeding gums (BG), bad breath, loose teeth and daily oral hygiene protocols) were collected using a questionnaire. Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) was collected and unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR) was determined. Whole salivary IgG levels were determined using standard techniques. Odds ratios were calculated for oral symptoms and group differences in protein levels were compared using one-way analysis of variance (α± <5%). BG was more often reported by gutka-chewers than controls (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in UWSFR and self-perceived pain in teeth, pain on chewing, bad breath and loose teeth among gutka-chewers and controls. IgG levels were significantly higher among gutka-chewers than controls (P < 0.01). Among gutka-chewers, whole salivary IgG levels were comparable individuals with and without self-perceived oral symptoms. Among controls, IgG levels in UWS were significantly higher among individuals who had BG than those who did not (P < 0.05). Self-perceived oral health is worse and whole salivary IgG levels are higher in gutka-chewers compared to controls.

Depression and anxiety in patients on chronic hemodialysis in University Clinical Hospital Mostar.

PubMed

Klarić, Miro; Letica, Ivona; Petrov, Bozo; Tomić, Monika; Klarić, Branka; Letica, Ludvig; Francisković, Tanja

2009-12-01

Depression and anxiety are prevailing mental problem in patients on chronic hemodialysis and they have great influence on outcome of illness. Additionally, these disorders are rarely identified in that population of patients and they are insufficiently treated. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients on chronic hemodialysis in University Clinical Hospital Mostar and to examine the correlation between the demographic variables and the time spent on dialysis with depression and anxiety levels. The experimental group consisted of 56 patients on chronic hemodialysis in Mostar Clinical Hospital. The control group 1 consisted of 53 patients diagnosed with a chronic illness and treated for at least a year, while the control group 2 consisted of 51 persons who were not diagnosed with any chronic somatic or mental illness. Demographic data were collected using the constructed questionnaire. The Beck Depression Inventory-BDI was used to determine depression, while the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-STAI was used to determine anxiety. We recorded significantly higher prevalence of depression in patients on chronic dialysis (51.8%) than in patients with a chronic illness (41.5%) and persons without chronic illnesses (9.8%; p < 0.001). Trait anxiety level was significantly higher in hemodialysed patients compared to the other two groups (p = 0.006) but there were no significant differences in state anxiety level. The study has not shown any significant difference in the prevalence of depression and anxiety level regarding the differences in sex, gender and education level, apart from a higher level of state anxiety in patients with a lower education level (p = 0.032). These results indicate that patients on hemodialysis have a significantly higher level of depression and a higher level of trait anxiety compared to patients with chronic illnesses and especially compared to general population.

Increased endogenous DNA oxidation correlates to increased iron levels in melanocytes relative to keratinocytes.

PubMed

Pelle, Edward; Huang, Xi; Zhang, Qi; Pernodet, Nadine; Yarosh, Daniel B; Frenkel, Krystyna

2014-01-01

The endogenous oxidative state of normal human epidermal melanocytes was investigated and compared to normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) in order to gain new insight into melanocyte biology. Previously, we showed that NHEKs contain higher levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) than melanocytes and that it can migrate from NHEKs to melanocytes by passive permeation. Nevertheless, despite lower concentrations of H2O2, we now report higher levels of oxidative DNA in melanocytes as indicated by increased levels of 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG): 4.49 (±0.55 SEM) 8-oxo-dG/10(6) dG compared to 1.49 (±0.11 SEM) 8-oxo-dG/10(6) dG for NHEKs. An antioxidant biomarker, glutathione (GSH), was also lower in melanocytes (3.14 nmoles (±0.15 SEM)/cell) in comparison to NHEKs (5.98 nmoles (±0.33 SEM)/cell). Intriguingly, cellular bioavailable iron as measured in ferritin was found to be nearly fourfold higher in melanocytes than in NHEKs. Further, ferritin levels in melanocytes were also higher than in hepatocarcinoma cells, an iron-rich cell, and it indicates that higher relative iron levels may be characteristic of melanocytes. To account for the increased oxidative DNA and lower GSH and H2O2 levels that we observe, we propose that iron may contribute to higher levels of oxidation by reacting with H2O2 through a Fenton reaction leading to the generation of DNA-reactive hydroxyl radicals. In conclusion, our data support the concept of elevated oxidation and high iron levels as normal parameters of melanocytic activity. We present new evidence that may contribute to our understanding of the melanogenic process and lead to the development of new skin care products.

A phenotypic comparison of intervertebral disc and articular cartilage cells in the rat

PubMed Central

Lee, Cynthia R.; Sakai, Daisuke; Nakai, Tomoko; Toyama, Kanae; Mochida, Joji; Alini, Mauro

2007-01-01

The basic molecular characteristics of intervertebral disc cells are still poorly defined. This study compared the phenotypes of nucleus pulposus (NP), annulus fibrosus (AF) and articular cartilage (AC) cells using rat coccygeal discs and AC from both young and aged animals and a combination of microarray, real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Microarray analysis identified 63 genes with at least a fivefold difference in fluorescence intensity between the NP and AF cells and 41 genes with a fivefold or greater difference comparing NP cells and articular chondrocytes. In young rats, the relative mRNA levels, assessed by real-time RT-PCR, of annexin A3, glypican 3 (gpc3), keratin 19 (k19) and pleiotrophin (ptn) were significantly higher in NP compared to AF and AC samples. Furthermore, vimentin (vim) mRNA was higher in NP versus AC, and expression levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (comp) and matrix gla protein (mgp) were lower in NP versus AC. Higher NP levels of comp and mgp mRNA and higher AF levels of gpc3, k19, mgp and ptn mRNA were found in aged compared to young tissue. However, the large differences between NP and AC expression of gpc3 and k19 were obvious even in the aged animals. Furthermore, the differences in expression levels of gpc3 and k19 were also evident at the protein level, with intense immunostaining for both proteins in NP and non-existent immunoreaction in AF and AC. Future studies using different species are required to evaluate whether the expression of these molecules can be used to characterize NP cells and distinguish them from other chondrocyte-like cells. PMID:17786487

Effect of Two Different Doses of Dexmedetomidine on Stress Response in Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty: A Randomized Prospective Controlled Study.

PubMed

Shamim, Rafat; Srivastava, Shashi; Rastogi, Amit; Kishore, Kamal; Srivastava, Aneesh

2017-01-01

Clonidine, opioids, β-blockers, and dexmedetomidine have been tried to attenuate stress responses during laparoscopic surgery. We evaluated the efficacy of dexmedetomidine in two different doses in attenuating stress responses on patients undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Ninety patients were assigned to one of the three groups: Group A, Group B, and Group C. Group B received dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg as loading dose, followed by 0.7 mcg/kg/h for maintenance; Group C received dexmedetomidine 0.7 mcg/kg as a loading dose, followed by 0.5 mcg/kg/h for maintenance. Group A received normal saline. Stress responses were assessed by the variations in heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), blood glucose levels, and serum cortisol levels. One-way analysis of variance test was applied. Multiple comparisons between groups were done with post hoc Bonferroni test. The HR and MAP were found to be higher in Group A. The difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.05) during intubation, carbon dioxide insufflation, and extubation when compared with Groups B and C. Blood glucose levels at postintubation and at extubation were higher in Group A and statistically significant ( P < 0.05) when compared with Groups B and C. Serum cortisol levels at postintubation, during midsurgery, and 2 h after extubation were higher in Group A and statistically significant ( P < 0.05) when compared with Groups B and C. However, HR, MAP, blood glucose levels, and serum cortisol levels were similar in dexmedetomidine groups. Dexmedetomidine decreases stress response and provides good condition for maintenance of anesthesia. Dexmedetomidine when used in lower dose in Group C decreases stress response comparable to higher dose in Group B.

Evaluation of the proliferation and differentiation behaviors of mesenchymal stem cells with partially converted borate glass containing different amounts of strontium in vitro.

PubMed

Zhu, Yi; Ouyang, Yuanming; Chang, Yi; Luo, Congfeng; Xu, Jun; Zhang, Changqing; Huang, Wenhai

2013-04-01

The objective of this study was to examine the proliferation and differentiation behaviors of different compositions of strontium-containing (from 0-12 mol%) borate glasses with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay revealed that after three days of culturing, the 6Sr group had the highest cell growth rate. Analysis of cell morphology revealed that cells proliferated well near the particles of the samples in all the groups on day 3. On day 7, cells in the 6Sr group demonstrated a higher proliferation rate than other 4 groups under the microscope. When performing the Live-Dead staining experiment, the 6Sr group had the least number of dead cells. Total DNA qualification indicated that the 6Sr group had a statistically higher concentration compared with the remaining groups. It was found that on day 7, compared with the 0Sr group, the core binding factor α1 (Cbfa1) mRNA expression level was significantly higher in the 6Sr, 9Sr and 12Sr groups. On day 14, compared with the 0Sr group, the bone sialoprotein (BSP) mRNA level was significantly higher in the 6Sr group. Additionally, on day 21, the 6Sr and 9Sr groups demonstrated higher osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA expression levels compared with the 0Sr group. In the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity test, on day 21, the 6Sr group presented a higher activity than the 0Sr group. Further, the number of mineralized nodules per unit in MSCs was measured by Alizarin Red S staining. The results showed that the 6Sr and 9Sr groups had the greatest number of mineralized nodules. Therefore, it could be concluded that borate glasses containing strontium oxide of 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 mol% demonstrate a significant level of proliferation when interacting with MSCs. The borate glass containing 6 mol% strontium oxide had the greatest level of proliferation when cultured with MSCs. The borate glass containing 6 and 9 mol% strontium oxide facilitated an improved bone formation ability compared with the remaining two compositions.

Serum antioxidant levels and nutritional status in early and advanced stage lung cancer patients.

PubMed

Klarod, Kultida; Hongsprabhas, Pranithi; Khampitak, Tueanjit; Wirasorn, Kosin; Kiertiburanakul, Sasisopin; Tangrassameeprasert, Roongpet; Daduang, Jureerut; Yongvanit, Puangrat; Boonsiri, Patcharee

2011-01-01

Malnutrition frequently occurs in lung cancer patients. We aimed to determine nutritional status and antioxidant and mineral levels in Thai patients with lung cancer. A prospective study with matched case-control was conducted. Nutritional status was assessed by body mass index (BMI) and subjective global assessment (SGA). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status was used to assess the performance. The serum antioxidant and mineral levels were determined. Forty-nine patients with a mean age of 58.8 (range, 35-82) who were first diagnosed with lung cancer were enrolled. They were compared with 60 healthy controls, and levels of retinol, α-tocopherol, β-carotene, lycopene, β-cryptoxanthin, selenium, and zinc were lower (P < 0.05). However, peroxidase activity was higher (P = 0.002) in patients. Selenium levels were higher in early stage compared to advanced stage patients (P = 0.041). Overweight patients had higher selenium levels (0.04 mg/L) than normal BMI patients (β = 0.04, P = 0.035). Patients with SGA class C had lower selenium levels (0.03 mg/L) than those with class A (β = -0.03, P = 0.035). The poorer ECOG performance patients had significantly lower β-carotene (β = -0.192, P = 0.003) and selenium (β = -0.031, P = 0.011) levels compared with those with good ECOG performance status. Significantly lower levels of antioxidants and selenium were found in lung cancer patients compared to healthy controls. Levels of some antioxidants and minerals differed among categories of BMI, SGA categories, or ECOG performance status. These findings may be helpful for further studies, such as the effect of nutritional supplementation on clinical outcomes. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, TGF-β and nitric oxide in amniotic fluid and serum of pregnant women with toxoplasmosis in southern Brazil.

PubMed

Marchioro, Ariella Andrade; Colli, Cristiane Maria; de Souza, Carla Zangari; da Silva, Suelen Santos; Tiyo, Bruna Tiaki; Evangelista, Fernanda F; Higa, Lourenco; Conchon-Costa, Ivete; Falavigna-Guilherme, Ana Lúcia

2018-06-01

This study detected and compared the levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, TGF-β and nitric oxide (NO) in amniotic fluid (AF) and serum of pregnancies with acute toxoplasmosis, Southern Brazil. It also was compared the levels of the same mediators in the serum of pregnancies in acute and chronic toxoplasmosis with non-infected. Serological investigation, anti-T gondii IgM and IgG, of the 67 pregnancies was determined by Elisa MEIA. Forty two were uninfected, eight in chronic phase and 17 in acute phase. Among the acute phase, seven agreed to amniocentesis. The cytokines, in serum and in AF, were assessed by sandwich ELISA, and NO was estimated from the nitrite measurement with Griess reagent. The IFN-γ and TGF-β levels in the AF and blood were similar, while TNF-α levels was lower in the AF. On the other hand, NO was higher in the AF. Chronically infected pregnant women have showed lower levels of INF-γ than those in acute and uninfected pregnancies. The serological levels of TNF-α were lower in pregnancies with toxoplasmosis, when compared with non-infected. TGF-β levels were higher in pregnancies in acute phase when compared with uninfected or chronically infected. NO in the serum of the infected had lower levels than those non-infected. In summary, higher concentrations of NO and lower levels of TNF-α were observed in the AF than in the serum of acute pregnancies, while TGF-β e INF-γ levels were similar in both biological material. In the serum of infected pregnancies was observed decrease in inflammatory mediators and increase of TGF-β. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, severe psychological distress, explosive anger and grief amongst partners of survivors of high levels of trauma in post-conflict Timor-Leste.

PubMed

Silove, D M; Tay, A K; Steel, Z; Tam, N; Soares, Z; Soares, C; Dos Reis, N; Alves, A; Rees, S

2017-01-01

Little is known about the mental health of partners of survivors of high levels of trauma in post-conflict countries. We studied 677 spouse dyads (n = 1354) drawn from a community survey (response 82.4%) in post-conflict Timor-Leste. We used culturally adapted measures of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological distress, explosive anger and grief. Latent class analysis identified three classes of couples: class 1, comprising women with higher trauma events (TEs), men with intermediate TEs (19%); class 2, including men with higher TEs, women with lower TEs (23%); and class 3, comprising couples in which men and women had lower TE exposure (58%) (the reference group). Men and women partners of survivors of higher TE exposure (classes 1 and 2) had increased symptoms of explosive anger and grief compared with the reference class (class 3). Women partners of survivors of higher TE exposure (class 2) had a 20-fold increased rate of PTSD symptoms compared with the reference class, a pattern that was not evident for men living with women exposed to higher levels of trauma (class 1). Men and women living with survivors of higher levels of trauma showed an increase in symptoms of grief and explosive anger. The manifold higher rate of PTSD symptoms amongst women living with men exposed to high levels of trauma requires replication. It is important to assess the mental health of partners when treating survivors of high levels of trauma in post-conflict settings.

Quantitative DNA methylation analyses reveal stage dependent DNA methylation and association to clinico-pathological factors in breast tumors.

PubMed

Klajic, Jovana; Fleischer, Thomas; Dejeux, Emelyne; Edvardsen, Hege; Warnberg, Fredrik; Bukholm, Ida; Lønning, Per Eystein; Solvang, Hiroko; Børresen-Dale, Anne-Lise; Tost, Jörg; Kristensen, Vessela N

2013-10-05

Aberrant DNA methylation of regulatory genes has frequently been found in human breast cancers and correlated to clinical outcome. In the present study we investigate stage specific changes in the DNA methylation patterns in order to identify valuable markers to understand how these changes affect breast cancer progression. Quantitative DNA methylation analyses of 12 candidate genes ABCB1, BRCCA1, CDKN2A, ESR1, GSTP1, IGF2, MGMT, HMLH1, PPP2R2B, PTEN, RASSF1A and FOXC1 was performed by pyrosequencing a series of 238 breast cancer tissue samples from DCIS to invasive tumors stage I to IV. Significant differences in methylation levels between the DCIS and invasive stage II tumors were observed for six genes RASSF1A, CDKN2A, MGMT, ABCB1, GSTP1 and FOXC1. RASSF1A, ABCB1 and GSTP1 showed significantly higher methylation levels in late stage compared to the early stage breast carcinoma. Z-score analysis revealed significantly lower methylation levels in DCIS and stage I tumors compared with stage II, III and IV tumors. Methylation levels of PTEN, PPP2R2B, FOXC1, ABCB1 and BRCA1 were lower in tumors harboring TP53 mutations then in tumors with wild type TP53. Z-score analysis showed that TP53 mutated tumors had significantly lower overall methylation levels compared to tumors with wild type TP53. Methylation levels of RASSF1A, PPP2R2B, GSTP1 and FOXC1 were higher in ER positive vs. ER negative tumors and methylation levels of PTEN and CDKN2A were higher in HER2 positive vs. HER2 negative tumors. Z-score analysis also showed that HER2 positive tumors had significantly higher z-scores of methylation compared to the HER2 negative tumors. Univariate survival analysis identifies methylation status of PPP2R2B as significant predictor of overall survival and breast cancer specific survival. In the present study we report that the level of aberrant DNA methylation is higher in late stage compared with early stage of invasive breast cancers and DCIS for genes mentioned above.

Genetic variations in the human cannabinoid receptor gene are associated with happiness.

PubMed

Matsunaga, Masahiro; Isowa, Tokiko; Yamakawa, Kaori; Fukuyama, Seisuke; Shinoda, Jun; Yamada, Jitsuhiro; Ohira, Hideki

2014-01-01

Happiness has been viewed as a temporary emotional state (e.g., pleasure) and a relatively stable state of being happy (subjective happiness level). As previous studies demonstrated that individuals with high subjective happiness level rated their current affective states more positively when they experience positive events, these two aspects of happiness are interrelated. According to a recent neuroimaging study, the cytosine to thymine single-nucleotide polymorphism of the human cannabinoid receptor 1 gene is associated with sensitivity to positive emotional stimuli. Thus, we hypothesized that our genetic traits, such as the human cannabinoid receptor 1 genotypes, are closely related to the two aspects of happiness. In Experiment 1, 198 healthy volunteers were used to compare the subjective happiness level between cytosine allele carriers and thymine-thymine carriers of the human cannabinoid receptor 1 gene. In Experiment 2, we used positron emission tomography with 20 healthy participants to compare the brain responses to positive emotional stimuli of cytosine allele carriers to that of thymine-thymine carriers. Compared to thymine-thymine carriers, cytosine allele carriers have a higher subjective happiness level. Regression analysis indicated that the cytosine allele is significantly associated with subjective happiness level. The positive mood after watching a positive film was significantly higher for the cytosine allele carriers compared to the thymine-thymine carriers. Positive emotion-related brain region such as the medial prefrontal cortex was significantly activated when the cytosine allele carriers watched the positive film compared to the thymine-thymine carriers. Thus, the human cannabinoid receptor 1 genotypes are closely related to two aspects of happiness. Compared to thymine-thymine carriers, the cytosine allele carriers of the human cannabinoid receptor 1 gene, who are sensitive to positive emotional stimuli, exhibited greater magnitude positive emotions when they experienced positive events and had a higher subjective happiness level.

Does peer learning or higher levels of e-learning improve learning abilities? A randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

Worm, Bjarne Skjødt; Jensen, Kenneth

2013-01-01

Background and aims The fast development of e-learning and social forums demands us to update our understanding of e-learning and peer learning. We aimed to investigate if higher, pre-defined levels of e-learning or social interaction in web forums improved students’ learning ability. Methods One hundred and twenty Danish medical students were randomized to six groups all with 20 students (eCases level 1, eCases level 2, eCases level 2+, eTextbook level 1, eTextbook level 2, and eTextbook level 2+). All students participated in a pre-test, Group 1 participated in an interactive case-based e-learning program, while Group 2 was presented with textbook material electronically. The 2+ groups were able to discuss the material between themselves in a web forum. The subject was head injury and associated treatment and observation guidelines in the emergency room. Following the e-learning, all students completed a post-test. Pre- and post-tests both consisted of 25 questions randomly chosen from a pool of 50 different questions. Results All students concluded the study with comparable pre-test results. Students at Level 2 (in both groups) improved statistically significant compared to students at level 1 (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between level 2 and level 2+. However, level 2+ was associated with statistically significant greater student's satisfaction than the rest of the students (p>0.05). Conclusions This study applies a new way of comparing different types of e-learning using a pre-defined level division and the possibility of peer learning. Our findings show that higher levels of e-learning does in fact provide better results when compared with the same type of e-learning at lower levels. While social interaction in web forums increase student satisfaction, learning ability does not seem to change. Both findings are relevant when designing new e-learning materials. PMID:24229729

Does peer learning or higher levels of e-learning improve learning abilities? A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Worm, Bjarne Skjødt; Jensen, Kenneth

2013-01-01

Background and aims The fast development of e-learning and social forums demands us to update our understanding of e-learning and peer learning. We aimed to investigate if higher, pre-defined levels of e-learning or social interaction in web forums improved students' learning ability. Methods One hundred and twenty Danish medical students were randomized to six groups all with 20 students (eCases level 1, eCases level 2, eCases level 2+, eTextbook level 1, eTextbook level 2, and eTextbook level 2+). All students participated in a pre-test, Group 1 participated in an interactive case-based e-learning program, while Group 2 was presented with textbook material electronically. The 2+ groups were able to discuss the material between themselves in a web forum. The subject was head injury and associated treatment and observation guidelines in the emergency room. Following the e-learning, all students completed a post-test. Pre- and post-tests both consisted of 25 questions randomly chosen from a pool of 50 different questions. Results All students concluded the study with comparable pre-test results. Students at Level 2 (in both groups) improved statistically significant compared to students at level 1 (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between level 2 and level 2+. However, level 2+ was associated with statistically significant greater student's satisfaction than the rest of the students (p>0.05). Conclusions This study applies a new way of comparing different types of e-learning using a pre-defined level division and the possibility of peer learning. Our findings show that higher levels of e-learning does in fact provide better results when compared with the same type of e-learning at lower levels. While social interaction in web forums increase student satisfaction, learning ability does not seem to change. Both findings are relevant when designing new e-learning materials.

Comparing alcohol mortality in Tsarist and contemporary Russia: is the current situation historically unique?

PubMed

Andreev, Evgeny; Bogoyavlensky, Dmitri; Stickley, Andrew

2013-01-01

This study compared the level of alcohol mortality in tsarist and contemporary Russia. Cross-sectional and annual time-series data from 1870 to 1894, 2008 and 2009 on the mortality rate from deaths due to 'drunkenness' were compared for men in the 50 provinces of tsarist 'European Russia': an area that today corresponds with the territory occupied by the Baltic countries, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine and the Russian provinces to the west of the Ural Mountains. In 1870-1894, the male death rate from 'drunkenness' in the Russian provinces (15.9 per 100,000) was much higher than in the non-Russian provinces. However, the rate recorded in Russia in the contemporary period was even higher--23.3. Russia has had high levels of alcohol mortality from at least the late 19th century onwards. While a dangerous drinking pattern and spirits consumption may underpin high alcohol mortality across time, the seemingly much higher levels in the contemporary period seem to be also driven by an unprecedented level of consumption, and also possibly, surrogate alcohol use. This study highlights the urgent need to reduce the level of alcohol consumption among the population in order to reduce high levels of alcohol mortality in contemporary Russia.

Prevalence and distribution of metabolic syndrome in a southern Chinese population. Relation to exercise, smoking, and educational level.

PubMed

Li, Yong-Qiang; Zhao, Li-Qin; Liu, Xin-Yu; Wang, Hong-Lei; Wang, Xiao-Hong; Li, Bin; Deng, Kang-Ping; Zhang, Ying; Liu, Qin; Holthofer, Harry; Zou, He-Qun

2013-09-01

To investigate the prevalence and distribution of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the impact of exercise, smoking, and educational level on the risk of MetS in a southern Chinese population. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Zhuhai City, China from June to August 2012. Data on exercise, smoking, and educational level, anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, lipid, and glucose levels were collected. The prevalence of MetS (as defined by the International Diabetes Federation) was determined. Data necessary to evaluate MetS, the socio-economic characteristics, and lifestyle were obtained for 4645 subjects aged 18-75 years old. A total of 19.8% of the participants had MetS. The adjusted odds of having MetS were lower among males (adjusted odds: 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57-1.01) compared with females. Those participants who currently smoked had a higher risk of developing MetS compared with non-smokers (adjusted odds: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.13-2.50). Those who had no physical exercise had a higher risk of developing MetS compared with those who physically exercised more than 60 minutes/day (adjusted odds: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.12-2.23;). Compared with those with no education, every category of attained educational level had a lower risk of developing MetS (p<0.001). The findings in this study revealed that current smokers had a greater risk of developing MetS compared with non-smokers. Increased physical activity and higher levels of education attained served as protective factors for the population.

Occupational exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and serum levels of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in an aging population from upstate New York: a retrospective cohort study.

PubMed

Tanner, Eva M; Bloom, Michael S; Wu, Qian; Kannan, Kurunthachalam; Yucel, Recai M; Shrestha, Srishti; Fitzgerald, Edward F

2018-02-01

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are environmentally persistent amphiphilic compounds. Exposure to two PFASs, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is linked to specific occupations and industries. This study examines the contribution of past occupational PFAS exposure to serum PFOS and PFOA levels among 154 older adults in New York State. Serum PFOS and PFOA levels were compared to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Potential occupational exposure to any PFAS was determined from work histories, reviewed by an industrial hygienist, and assessed in relation to current serum PFOS and PFOA levels using exposure probability, duration and cumulative exposure. We observed 25% higher serum PFOS and 80% higher PFOA levels in study participants compared to NHANES. No participants reported PFAS chemical manufacturing work, but n = 68 reported work in occupations and industries known to use PFASs. We found that participants with high cumulative workplace exposure had 34% higher serum PFOS levels compared to participants without occupational exposure, adjusted for age, sex and income. Serum PFOS levels were 26% higher for participants with longer occupational exposure durations. The probability of occupational PFAS exposure metric was not associated with serum PFOS. Serum PFOA was not associated with any measure of occupational exposure. Occupational exposure may contribute to total PFOS body burden in this study population, even among workers not directly involved in manufacturing PFASs. PFAS exposure assessments should evaluate the workplace as a potential source, even when workplace exposures are assumed to be low or moderate.

Assessing oral candidal carriage with mixed salivary glucose levels as non-invasive diagnostic tool in type-2 diabetics of davangere, karnataka, India.

PubMed

Naik, Rashmi; Mujib B R, Ahmed; Raaju, U R; Telagi, Neethu

2014-07-01

The health of oral tissues is known to be related to salivary flow and its composition which may be altered in diabetic patients. The purpose of this study is to correlate mixed salivary glucose levels and oral candidal carriage and to assess the prevalence of candidal carriage in diabetics and controls. Thirty adults with type-2 diabetes and 30 without diabetes (control subjects), aged 30-60 yr, participated in the study. Unstimulated saliva was collected and investigated for glucose levels (using glucose oxidase method) and colony-forming units (CFU) of Candida, this was stained with two stains, periodic acid-schiff stain and Grocott Gomori stain. In the present study mixed salivary glucose concentration in diabetics was significantly higher (p<0.01) compared to the controls. Diabetics with intraoral candidal carriage had higher salivary glucose levels (mean = 12.76±5.85 mg/dl) compared to cases where Candida was not isolated. The diabetics without intraoral candidal carriage had lower salivary glucose levels (mean = 5.36±2.24 mg/dl). This relationship could be seen in controls (non-diabetics) also. Diabetics showed an oral candidal carriage rate of 80% which was significantly higher compared to nondiabetics who showed an oral candidal carriage rate of 40%. Mixed salivary glucose levels were significantly higher in diabetics. The possible high salivary glucose level could predispose to oral candidal infection. So saliva can be used as a quick, non-invasive tool to assess the oral candidal status and possible infection.

A Comparative Study of Student Satisfaction Level in Distance Learning and Live Classroom at Higher Education Level

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mahmood, Azhar; Mahmood, Sheikh Tariq; Malik, Allah Bakhsh

2012-01-01

The technology has embraced the innovative learning methodologies. Distance Learning has taken the place of traditional face-to-face educational environment. The purpose of this study was to compare the level of student satisfaction of graduate distance learning educational psychology course to a traditional classroom educational psychology course…

Satisfaction of healthy pregnant women receiving short message service via mobile phone for prenatal support: A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Jareethum, Rossathum; Titapant, Vitaya; Chantra, Tienthai; Sommai, Viboonchart; Chuenwattana, Prakong; Jirawan, Chatchainoppakhun

2008-04-01

The main objective was to compare the satisfaction levels of antenatal care between healthy pregnant women who received short message service (SMS) via mobile phone for prenatal support, and those who did not. The second objective was to compare the confidence, anxiety levels and also pregnancy outcomes. A randomized controlled trial. 68 healthy pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic and delivered at Siriraj Hospital, who met the inclusion criterias between May 2007 and October 2007, were enrolled and randomly allocated into two random groups. The study group received two SMS messages per week from 28 weeks of gestation until giving birth. The other group was pregnant women who did not receive SMS. Both groups had the same antenatal and perinatal care. The satisfaction, confidence and anxiety scores were evaluated using a questionnaire at the postpartum ward. The pregnancy outcomes were also compared in these two groups. The satisfaction levels of the women who received prenatal support in SMS messages, were significantly higher than those of who did not receive the messages both in the antenatal period (9.25 vs. 8.00, p < 0.001) and during labor (9.09 vs. 7.90, p = 0.007). In the SMS using group, the confidence level was'higher (8.91 vs. 7.79, p = 0.001) and the anxiety level was lower (2.78 vs. 4.93, p = 0.002) than the control group n the antenatal period, however no diference in pregnancy outcomes were found. The present study shows the higher satisfaction level of pregnant women who received SMS via mobile phone during their antenatal service when compared with the general antenatal care group. The study also show the higher confidence level and lower anxiety level in the antenatal period but no difference in pregnancy outcomes.

Quantitative assessment of serum-specific IgE in the diagnosis of human cystic echinococcosis.

PubMed

Marinova, I; Nikolov, G; Michova, A; Kurdova, R; Petrunov, B

2011-07-01

Anti-Echinococcus serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E was assessed by the ImmunoCAP system and compared with anti-Echinococcus serum IgG assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. The ImmunoCAP system revealed very high specificity (one false positive of 110 healthy individuals), low cross-reactivity (one false positive of 58 patients with other diseases) and decreased sensitivity (73.55%). Receiver operating characteristic analysis displayed a beneficial diagnostic value with high accuracy. Comparison of the ImmunoCAP system with ELISA and Western blot showed significantly higher specificity and significantly lower cross-reactivity compared with the ELISA. Examination of sera from 155 patients with cystic echinococcosis (CE) showed varying levels of anti-Echinococcus IgE (range, 0.01-118.33 kUA/L). However, most samples had moderately elevated IgE levels. Analysis of serum-specific IgE revealed significantly higher sensitivity of the ImmunoCAP system and significantly higher antibody levels in hepatic CE compared with pulmonary CE. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Cranial CT with adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction: improved image quality with concomitant radiation dose reduction.

PubMed

Rapalino, O; Kamalian, Shervin; Kamalian, Shahmir; Payabvash, S; Souza, L C S; Zhang, D; Mukta, J; Sahani, D V; Lev, M H; Pomerantz, S R

2012-04-01

To safeguard patient health, there is great interest in CT radiation-dose reduction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an iterative-reconstruction algorithm, ASIR, on image-quality measures in reduced-dose head CT scans for adult patients. Using a 64-section scanner, we analyzed 100 reduced-dose adult head CT scans at 6 predefined levels of ASIR blended with FBP reconstruction. These scans were compared with 50 CT scans previously obtained at a higher routine dose without ASIR reconstruction. SNR and CNR were computed from Hounsfield unit measurements of normal GM and WM of brain parenchyma. A blinded qualitative analysis was performed in 10 lower-dose CT datasets compared with higher-dose ones without ASIR. Phantom data analysis was also performed. Lower-dose scans without ASIR had significantly lower mean GM and WM SNR (P = .003) and similar GM-WM CNR values compared with higher routine-dose scans. However, at ASIR levels of 20%-40%, there was no statistically significant difference in SNR, and at ASIR levels of ≥60%, the SNR values of the reduced-dose scans were significantly higher (P < .01). CNR values were also significantly higher at ASIR levels of ≥40% (P < .01). Blinded qualitative review demonstrated significant improvements in perceived image noise, artifacts, and GM-WM differentiation at ASIR levels ≥60% (P < .01). These results demonstrate that the use of ASIR in adult head CT scans reduces image noise and increases low-contrast resolution, while allowing lower radiation doses without affecting spatial resolution.

High bicarbonate levels in narcoleptic children.

PubMed

Franco, Patricia; Junqua, Aurelie; Guignard-Perret, Anne; Raoux, Aude; Perier, Magali; Raverot, Veronique; Claustrat, Bruno; Gustin, Marie-Paule; Inocente, Clara Odilia; Lin, Jian-Sheng

2016-04-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of plasma bicarbonate levels in narcoleptic children. Clinical, electrophysiological data and bicarbonate levels were evaluated retrospectively in children seen in our paediatric national reference centre for hypersomnia. The cohort included 23 control subjects (11.5 ± 4 years, 43% boys) and 51 patients presenting de-novo narcolepsy (N) (12.7 ± 3.7 years, 47% boys). In narcoleptic children, cataplexy was present in 78% and DQB1*0602 was positive in 96%. The control children were less obese (2 versus 47%, P = 0.001). Compared with control subjects, narcoleptic children had higher bicarbonate levels (P = 0.02) as well as higher PCO2 (P < 0.01) and lower venous pH gas (P < 0.01). Bicarbonate levels higher than 27 mmol L(-1) were found in 41.2% of the narcoleptic children and 4.2% of the controls (P = 0.001). Bicarbonate levels were correlated with the Adapted Epworth Sleepiness Scale (P = 0.01). Narcoleptic patients without obesity often had bicarbonate levels higher than 27 mmol L (-1) (55 versus 25%, P = 0.025). No differences were found between children with and without cataplexy. In conclusion, narcoleptic patients had higher bicarbonate plasma levels compared to control children. This result could be a marker of hypoventilation in this pathology, provoking an increase in PCO2 and therefore a respiratory acidosis, compensated by an increase in plasma bicarbonates. This simple screening tool could be useful for prioritizing children for sleep laboratory evaluation in practice. © 2015 European Sleep Research Society.

Effects of Whey Protein Hydrolysate Ingestion on Postprandial Aminoacidemia Compared with a Free Amino Acid Mixture in Young Men

PubMed Central

Nakayama, Kyosuke; Sanbongi, Chiaki; Ikegami, Shuji

2018-01-01

To stimulate muscle protein synthesis, it is important to increase the plasma levels of essential amino acids (EAA), especially leucine, by ingesting proteins. Protein hydrolysate ingestion can induce postprandial hyperaminoacidemia; however, it is unclear whether protein hydrolysate is associated with higher levels of aminoacidemia compared with a free amino acid mixture when both are ingested orally. We assessed the effects of whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) ingestion on postprandial aminoacidemia, especially plasma leucine levels, compared to ingestion of a free amino acid mixture. This study was an open-label, randomized, 4 × 4 Latin square design. After 12–15 h of fasting, 11 healthy young men ingested the WPH (3.3, 5.0, or 7.5 g of protein) or the EAA mixture (2.5 g). Blood samples were collected before ingestion and at time points from 10 to 120 min after ingestion, and amino acids, insulin, glucose and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations in plasma were measured. Even though the EAA mixture and 5.0 g of the WPH contained similar amounts of EAA and leucine, the WPH was associated with significantly higher plasma EAA and leucine levels. These results suggest that the WPH can induce a higher level of aminoacidemia compared with a free amino acid mixture when both are ingested orally. PMID:29671767

Effects of Whey Protein Hydrolysate Ingestion on Postprandial Aminoacidemia Compared with a Free Amino Acid Mixture in Young Men.

PubMed

Nakayama, Kyosuke; Sanbongi, Chiaki; Ikegami, Shuji

2018-04-19

To stimulate muscle protein synthesis, it is important to increase the plasma levels of essential amino acids (EAA), especially leucine, by ingesting proteins. Protein hydrolysate ingestion can induce postprandial hyperaminoacidemia; however, it is unclear whether protein hydrolysate is associated with higher levels of aminoacidemia compared with a free amino acid mixture when both are ingested orally. We assessed the effects of whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) ingestion on postprandial aminoacidemia, especially plasma leucine levels, compared to ingestion of a free amino acid mixture. This study was an open-label, randomized, 4 × 4 Latin square design. After 12⁻15 h of fasting, 11 healthy young men ingested the WPH (3.3, 5.0, or 7.5 g of protein) or the EAA mixture (2.5 g). Blood samples were collected before ingestion and at time points from 10 to 120 min after ingestion, and amino acids, insulin, glucose and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations in plasma were measured. Even though the EAA mixture and 5.0 g of the WPH contained similar amounts of EAA and leucine, the WPH was associated with significantly higher plasma EAA and leucine levels. These results suggest that the WPH can induce a higher level of aminoacidemia compared with a free amino acid mixture when both are ingested orally.

Effect of fasting during the month of Ramadan on serum levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone in people living in the below sea level environment in the Jordan Valley.

PubMed

El-Migdadi, Fayig; Shotar, Ali; El-Akawi, Zeyad; Banihani, Ibrahim; Abudheese, Rola

2004-01-01

To study a possible effect of Ramadan fasting on luteinizing hormone and testosterone in people of the Jordan Valley. A comparative study (n=40) of serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) between people living in the Jordan Valley (JV), n=20, 360 meters below sea level, and those living in Ramtha City (RC), n=20, 600 meters above sea level, was conducted in December, 1998. A similar study (n=40) was also done during January 1999 in fasting people during the month of Ramadan. Serum levels of LH in non-fasting people of the JV were statistically similar to those in people of RC. There was also no difference in serum levels of T between non-fasting people of the JV and those in RC. Serum levels of LH in fasting people of the JV were statistically indifferent from those fasting in RC. Serum T levels in fasting people of the JV, on the other hand, were higher than those in fasting people of RC (76+/-18.3 ng/ml compared to 62.7+/-24.2 ng/ml). It is probably the environmental factors such as the higher barometric pressure of the JV compared to that at above sea level that play a role in higher serum levels of T in people of the JV. Other factors, such as genetic background and/or the cultural and nutritional characteristics of the people of the JV, may also contribute to this difference in serum T levels.

Antioxidant status in delayed healing type of wounds

PubMed Central

Rasik, Anamika M; Shukla, Arti

2000-01-01

This investigation studied the contribution of antioxidants in delaying healing in excision cutaneous wounds (8 mm) in diabetic, aged and immunocompromised animals. Skin levels of catalase, glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (AA) and vitamin E in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat were lower as compared to nondiabetics. The 7-d wound tissue of diabetic rats showed an increased vitamin E level along with depleted GSH content. In aged rats (18 months old), higher levels of skin superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lower levels of catalase and GSH were found as compared to their values in young rats (3–4 months old). The levels of SOD, GPx, catalase, AA, GSH and vitamin E in 7-d wound tissue of aged rats were significantly lower in comparison to those in young rats. However, TBARS were elevated in these wound tissues. The non-wounded skin of immunocompromised (athymic) mice showed lower levels of SOD, catalase, and TBARS and higher GSH and GPx levels in comparison to those present in normal mouse skin. Surprisingly, the analysis of 7-d wound tissue showed higher levels of SOD, catalase, GPx, and GSH and lower TBARS level in athymic mice compared to the wound tissue of normal mice. Thus low levels of antioxidants accompanied by raised levels of markers of free radical damage play a significant role in delaying wound healing in aged rats. In diabetic rats reduced glutathione levels may have a contributory role in delaying the healing process. However, in immunocompromised mice the antioxidant status following injury showed an adapted response. PMID:10971747

Elevated serum fetuin-A levels are associated with grades of retinopathy in type 2 diabetic patients.

PubMed

Yilmaz, Ahu; Yilmaz, Tolga; Gunay, Murat

2017-10-25

Fetuin-A is a physiological inhibitor of insulin receptor tyrosine kinase and thus associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and an increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aims to investigate the possible relation between the serum fetuin-A levels and the stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with T2DM. This prospective study included 82 patients with T2DM and 19 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs) (group 1). Diabetic patients were subclassified into three groups according to ocular findings: without DR (group 2; n = 26); non-proliferative DR (group 3; n = 29), and proliferative DR (group 4; n = 27). Serum fetuin-A levels were determined by a spectrophotometric technique using an immulite chemiluminescent immunometric assay. The data were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U test, and the results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Mean fetuin-A values were 256.4 ± 21.3 μg/ml in group 1, 263.5 ± 24.2 μg/ml in group 2, 282.2 ± 31.1 μg/ml in group 3, and 296.3 ± 26.2 μg/ml in group 4. Group 2 had higher mean fetuin-A level compared with group 1, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Serum fetuin-A levels were significantly higher in groups 3 and 4 compared with HCs (both p < 0.05). Compared with group 2, both DR groups had higher fetuin-A levels with a significant difference (both p < 0.05); and patients with proliferative DR had significantly higher serum fetuin-A levels compared with non-proliferative DR (p < 0.05). The mean serum fetuin-A levels increased with the stage of DR, and the highest levels were found in patients with proliferative DR. Our findings suggest an association between fetuin-A levels and DR stage. In diabetic patients, the risk of retinopathy development increases with higher fetuin-A values. Fetuin-A may play an important role in the pathophysiology and progression of DR.

Physical and psychosocial work environment factors and their association with health outcomes in Danish ambulance personnel – a cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Reviews of the literature on the health and work environment of ambulance personnel have indicated an increased risk of work-related health problems in this occupation. The aim of this study was to compare health status and exposure to different work environmental factors among ambulance personnel and the core work force in Denmark. In addition, to examine the association between physical and psychosocial work environment factors and different measures of health among ambulance personnel. Methods Data were taken from a nationwide sample of ambulance personnel and fire fighters (n = 1,691) and was compared to reference samples of the Danish work force. The questionnaire contained measures of physical and psychosocial work environment as well as measures of musculoskeletal pain, mental health, self-rated health and sleep quality. Results Ambulance personnel have half the prevalence of poor self-rated health compared to the core work force (5% vs. 10%). Levels of mental health were the same across the two samples whereas a substantially higher proportion of the ambulance personnel reported musculoskeletal pain (42% vs. 29%). The ambulance personnel had higher levels of emotional demands and meaningfulness of and commitment to work, and substantially lower levels of quantitative demands and influence at work. Only one out of ten aspects of physical work environment was consistently associated with higher levels of musculoskeletal pain. Emotional demands was the only psychosocial work factor that was associated with both poorer mental health and worse sleep quality. Conclusions Ambulance personnel have similar levels of mental health but substantially higher levels of musculoskeletal pain than the work force in general. They are more exposed to emotional demands and these demands are associated with higher levels of poor mental health and poor sleep quality. To improve work environment, attention should be paid to musculoskeletal problems and the presence of positive organizational support mechanisms that can prevent negative effects from the high levels of emotional demands. PMID:22824415

Interaction between different sports branches such as taekwondo, box, athletes and serum brain derived neurotrophic factor levels.

PubMed

Oztasyonar, Yunus

2017-04-01

This study aimed to compare serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels "which contributes in both neuron development/regeneration" between combat sport braches, which requires high attention and concentration and can lead micro and macro brain trauma, and athleticism, which requires durability in competition. The study design included 4 groups. Group 1 had sedentary participants, and group 2 athletes (middle and long runners) who exercised for two 2-hour daily training sessions 6 days a week. group 3 included boxers, and group 4 taekwondo fighters. We investigated changes in the blood BDNF levels of taekwondo fighters, boxers, and athletes before and after training and compared them among each other and with measurements of sedentary controls. All athletes had higher basal BDNF levels than sedentary participants. Boxers and taekwondo athletes had especially high basal BDNF levels. When we compared different sports branch each other Pre- and post- training BDNF values are ranked as follows: taekwondo > boxing > athletes > sedentary. In sport branches such as combat sports and athletes, serum BDNF levels have been demonstrated to be higher after training than before. In addition, serum BDNF levels were higher in taekwondo fighters and boxers than athletes. BDNF might have a role in the protection mechanism against brain damage or contributes in occurrence and maintenance of high attention and concentration especially among combat sports.

Impaired glucose tolerance in first-episode drug-naïve patients with schizophrenia: relationships with clinical phenotypes and cognitive deficits.

PubMed

Chen, D C; Du, X D; Yin, G Z; Yang, K B; Nie, Y; Wang, N; Li, Y L; Xiu, M H; He, S C; Yang, F D; Cho, R Y; Kosten, T R; Soares, J C; Zhao, J P; Zhang, X Y

2016-11-01

Schizophrenia patients have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) than normals. We examined the relationship between IGT and clinical phenotypes or cognitive deficits in first-episode, drug-naïve (FEDN) Han Chinese patients with schizophrenia. A total of 175 in-patients were compared with 31 healthy controls on anthropometric measures and fasting plasma levels of glucose, insulin and lipids. They were also compared using a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Neurocognitive functioning was assessed using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). Patient psychopathology was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Of the patients, 24.5% had IGT compared with none of the controls, and they also had significantly higher levels of fasting blood glucose and 2-h glucose after an oral glucose load, and were more insulin resistant. Compared with those patients with normal glucose tolerance, the IGT patients were older, had a later age of onset, higher waist or hip circumference and body mass index, higher levels of low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides and higher insulin resistance. Furthermore, IGT patients had higher PANSS total and negative symptom subscale scores, but no greater cognitive impairment except on the emotional intelligence index of the MCCB. IGT occurs with greater frequency in FEDN schizophrenia, and shows association with demographic and anthropometric parameters, as well as with clinical symptoms but minimally with cognitive impairment during the early course of the disorder.

C-reactive protein and lipoprotein-a as markers of coronary heart disease in polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Güdücü, Nilgün; Işçi, Herman; Yiğiter, Alin Başgül; Dünder, Ilkkan

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors of coronary heart disease, CRP and Lipoprotein-a in polycystic ovary syndrome patients. Prospectively collected data of polycystic ovary syndrome patients (n=62) and control group (n=40) were compared. PCOS patients had higher HOMA-IR, CRP, DHEAS, free testosterone, FAI, LH and prolactin levels when compared to the control group. Lipoprotein-a levels did not differ between the groups. The obese PCOS group had statistically significantly higher fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, free testosterone, insulin, CRP and HOMA-IR and statistically significantly lower HDL and SHBG when compared to normal weight PCOS persons. Fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, SHBG, CRP, Lipoprotein-a, FSH, LH, TSH, DHEAS and prolactin levels did not differ between the normal weight and obese control groups. CRP levels increase in polycystic ovary syndrome patients and can be used as a marker of coronary heart disease. Future studies can be directed at treatments to decrease CRP levels, including antiinflammatory treatments.

Does Digital Video Advertising Increase Population-Level Reach of Multimedia Campaigns? Evidence From the 2013 Tips From Former Smokers Campaign

PubMed Central

Shafer, Paul R; Rodes, Robert; Kim, Annice; Hansen, Heather; Patel, Deesha; Coln, Caryn; Beistle, Diane

2016-01-01

Background Federal and state public health agencies in the United States are increasingly using digital advertising and social media to promote messages from broader multimedia campaigns. However, little evidence exists on population-level campaign awareness and relative cost efficiencies of digital advertising in the context of a comprehensive public health education campaign. Objective Our objective was to compare the impact of increased doses of digital video and television advertising from the 2013 Tips From Former Smokers (Tips) campaign on overall campaign awareness at the population level. We also compared the relative cost efficiencies across these media platforms. Methods We used data from a large national online survey of approximately 15,000 US smokers conducted in 2013 immediately after the conclusion of the 2013 Tips campaign. These data were used to compare the effects of variation in media dose of digital video and television advertising on population-level awareness of the Tips campaign. We implemented higher doses of digital video among selected media markets and randomly selected other markets to receive similar higher doses of television ads. Multivariate logistic regressions estimated the odds of overall campaign awareness via digital or television format as a function of higher-dose media in each market area. All statistical tests used the .05 threshold for statistical significance and the .10 level for marginal nonsignificance. We used adjusted advertising costs for the additional doses of digital and television advertising to compare the cost efficiencies of digital and television advertising on the basis of costs per percentage point of population awareness generated. Results Higher-dose digital video advertising was associated with 94% increased odds of awareness of any ad online relative to standard-dose markets (P<.001). Higher-dose digital advertising was associated with a marginally nonsignificant increase (46%) in overall campaign awareness regardless of media format (P=.09). Higher-dose television advertising was associated with 81% increased odds of overall ad awareness regardless of media format (P<.001). Increased doses of television advertising were also associated with significantly higher odds of awareness of any ad on television (P<.001) and online (P=.04). The adjusted cost of each additional percentage point of population-level reach generated by higher doses of advertising was approximately US $440,000 for digital advertising and US $1 million for television advertising. Conclusions Television advertising generated relatively higher levels of overall campaign awareness. However, digital video was relatively more cost efficient for generating awareness. These results suggest that digital video may be used as a cost-efficient complement to traditional advertising modes (eg, television), but digital video should not replace television given the relatively smaller audience size of digital video viewers. PMID:27627853

Does Digital Video Advertising Increase Population-Level Reach of Multimedia Campaigns? Evidence From the 2013 Tips From Former Smokers Campaign.

PubMed

Davis, Kevin C; Shafer, Paul R; Rodes, Robert; Kim, Annice; Hansen, Heather; Patel, Deesha; Coln, Caryn; Beistle, Diane

2016-09-14

Federal and state public health agencies in the United States are increasingly using digital advertising and social media to promote messages from broader multimedia campaigns. However, little evidence exists on population-level campaign awareness and relative cost efficiencies of digital advertising in the context of a comprehensive public health education campaign. Our objective was to compare the impact of increased doses of digital video and television advertising from the 2013 Tips From Former Smokers (Tips) campaign on overall campaign awareness at the population level. We also compared the relative cost efficiencies across these media platforms. We used data from a large national online survey of approximately 15,000 US smokers conducted in 2013 immediately after the conclusion of the 2013 Tips campaign. These data were used to compare the effects of variation in media dose of digital video and television advertising on population-level awareness of the Tips campaign. We implemented higher doses of digital video among selected media markets and randomly selected other markets to receive similar higher doses of television ads. Multivariate logistic regressions estimated the odds of overall campaign awareness via digital or television format as a function of higher-dose media in each market area. All statistical tests used the .05 threshold for statistical significance and the .10 level for marginal nonsignificance. We used adjusted advertising costs for the additional doses of digital and television advertising to compare the cost efficiencies of digital and television advertising on the basis of costs per percentage point of population awareness generated. Higher-dose digital video advertising was associated with 94% increased odds of awareness of any ad online relative to standard-dose markets (P<.001). Higher-dose digital advertising was associated with a marginally nonsignificant increase (46%) in overall campaign awareness regardless of media format (P=.09). Higher-dose television advertising was associated with 81% increased odds of overall ad awareness regardless of media format (P<.001). Increased doses of television advertising were also associated with significantly higher odds of awareness of any ad on television (P<.001) and online (P=.04). The adjusted cost of each additional percentage point of population-level reach generated by higher doses of advertising was approximately US $440,000 for digital advertising and US $1 million for television advertising. Television advertising generated relatively higher levels of overall campaign awareness. However, digital video was relatively more cost efficient for generating awareness. These results suggest that digital video may be used as a cost-efficient complement to traditional advertising modes (eg, television), but digital video should not replace television given the relatively smaller audience size of digital video viewers.

Public Higher Education Performance Accountability Framework Report: Goal--Access and Affordability. Measure: Percentage of Racial Representation in Systems of Higher Education Compared to Racial Representation in the State. Commission Report 07-20

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

California Postsecondary Education Commission, 2007

2007-01-01

Despite segmental efforts to increase diversity in higher education, African American and Latino students are not achieving levels of representation in California public universities that are equivalent to their levels of representation in the overall State population. Using data for the years 1997 through 2006, the California Postsecondary…

Comparative characterization of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, dental pulp, and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Kunimatsu, Ryo; Nakajima, Kengo; Awada, Tetsuya; Tsuka, Yuji; Abe, Takaharu; Ando, Kazuyo; Hiraki, Tomoka; Kimura, Aya; Tanimoto, Kotaro

2018-06-18

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used clinically in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The proliferation and osteogenic differentiation potential of MSCs vary according to factors such as tissue source and cell population heterogeneity. Dental tissue has received attention as an easily accessible source of high-quality stem cells. In this study, we compared the in vitro characteristics of dental pulp stem cells from deciduous teeth (SHED), human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs), and human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). SEHD and hDPSCs were isolated from dental pulp and analyzed in comparison with human bone marrow (hBM)MSCs. Proliferative capacity of cultured cells was analyzed using a bromodeoxyuridine immunoassay and cell counting. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were monitored to assess osteogenic differentiation. Mineralization was evaluated by alizarin red staining. Levels of bone marker mRNA were examined by real-time PCR analysis. SHED were highly proliferative compared with hDPSCs and hBMSCs. SHED, hDPSCs, and hBMSCs exhibited dark alizarin red staining on day 21 after induction of osteogenic differentiation, and staining of hBMSCs was significantly higher than that of SHED and hDPSCs by spectrophotometry. ALP staining was stronger in hBMSCs compared with SHED and hDPSCs, and ALP activity was significantly higher in hBMSCs compared with SHED or hDPSCs. SHED showed significantly higher expression of the Runx2 and ALP genes compared with hBMSCs, based on real-time PCR analysis. In bFGF, SHED showed significantly higher expression of the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) gene compared with hDPSCs and hBMSCs. SHED exhibited higher proliferative activity and levels of bFGF and BMP-2 gene expression compared with BMMSCs and DPSCs. The ease of harvesting cells and ability to avoid invasive surgical procedures suggest that SHED may be a useful cell source for application in bone regeneration treatments. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Serum Sodium and Potassium Levels in Cerebro-vascular Accident Patients.

PubMed

Farahmand, Farahmand; Choobi Anzali, Babak; Heshmat, Ramin; Ghafouri, Hamed-Basir; Hamedanchi, Sepehr

2013-05-01

We aim to assess serum sodium and potassium levels in patients with different types of cerebro-vascular accidents (CVA) in comparison to control group. A comparative cross-sectional study conducted on patients admitted to the emergency department from January to August 2012. Control group consisted of patients admitted to emergency department due to common cold, urinary tract infection, low back pain, cluster, and tension headache or migraine. Serum sodium and potassium levels were measured via standard laboratory methods. There were 77 patients in control group and 78 in CVA group. Forty nine patients from the CVA group had ischemic CVA, 11 had hemorrhagic CVA and 18 suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Serum sodium level in control group was significantly lower than in patients with TIA, ischemic CVA, and hemorrhagic CVA (P < 0.001). Serum potassium level in control group was higher than patients with TIA, ischemic CVA, and hemorrhagic CVA (P < 0.001). Patients with hemorrhagic CVA showed significantly lower serum potassium level than patients with TIA and ischemic CVA (P < 0.001). Correspondingly, it was observed that serum sodium to potassium ratio was higher in patients with TIA, ischemic CVA, and hemorrhagic CVA (P < 0.001). In patients with hemorrhagic CVA serum sodium to potassium ratio was higher when compared to patients with TIA and ischemic CVA (P < 0.001). This study shows that higher serum sodium and lower serum potassium level may be associated with higher incidence of CVA. Further studies are paramount to elucidate the role of serum electrolyte levels in vascular events.

Physical Symptoms, Perceived Social Support, and Affect in Adolescents with Cancer

PubMed Central

WESLEY, KIMBERLY M.; ZELIKOVSKY, NATALIYA; SCHWARTZ, LISA A.

2015-01-01

Treatment for cancer among adolescents is often more intense and lasts longer than treatment for older or younger patients. It typically causes pain, fatigue, and nausea and affects social and emotional well-being. This study examined the relationships among demographics, physical symptoms, perceived social support from friends and family, and affect (positive and negative) in 102 adolescents (age 13–19) with cancer using correlational analyses. Additionally, perceived social support was explored as a mediator and moderator of the relationship between physical symptoms and affect using regression. Females reported significantly lower friend support and higher negative affect compared to males. Minority participants were more likely to endorse physical symptoms and less negative affect compared to White respondents. Higher report of physical symptoms was significantly related to greater negative affect, whereas higher perceived social support from friends was related to higher positive affect. Adolescents consistently reported high levels of social support from family and friends. Additionally, adolescents tended to report average levels of positive affect and low levels of negative affect compared to healthy populations. No significant mediation or moderation effects were found. This research highlights that females and minorities, and those with greater physical symptoms, may be more vulnerable to poor adjustment to cancer during adolescence. However, overall this study lends support to the notion that adolescents with cancer are an especially resilient population, as these patients endorsed generally high levels of social support and positive affect, with low levels of negative affect. PMID:23844924

Comparative endocrinological responses to short transportation of Equidae (Equus asinus and Equus caballus).

PubMed

Fazio, Esterina; Medica, Pietro; Cravana, Cristina; Aveni, Francesca; Ferlazzo, Adriana

2013-03-01

In order to evaluate the effects of short transportation on β-endorphin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol changes, 12 healthy stallions of Equidae (Equus asinus and Equus caballus) were studied before and after transportation of 50 km. Blood samples were collected 1 week before transportation in basal conditions, immediately before loading and after transportation and unloading, on their arrival at the breeding station. Compared to basal and before values, donkeys showed an increase in circulating ACTH (P < 0.001) and cortisol (P < 0.0005) levels after transportation and higher ACTH (P < 0.01) levels than horses after transportation. A positive and significant correlation (r = 0.885; P < 0.01) between ACTH and cortisol levels after transportation was found. No significant differences were observed for β-endorphin levels. Compared to basal and before values, horses showed higher cortisol (P < 0.005) levels after transportation and no significant differences were observed for ACTH and β-endorphin levels in donkeys. Horses facing forward (direction of travel) showed higher (P < 0.01) β-endorphin levels after transportation than donkeys; horses facing backward (the opposite direction of travel) showed lower (P < 0.05) ACTH levels after transportation. The results indicate that short transportation induces a preferential activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-axis (HPA), with significant release of ACTH and cortisol in donkeys and only of cortisol in horses, suggesting that transportation for donkeys may be more stressful than horses. © 2012 The Authors Animal Science Journal © 2012 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Evaluation of protein C and protein S levels in patients with diabetes mellitus receiving therapy with statins and ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers.

PubMed

Aktaş, Şerife; Uçak, Sema; Kurt, Fatma; Taşdemir, Mehmet; Kutlu, Orkide; Eker, Pınar

2018-01-01

To evaluate protein C, protein S level in patients with diabetes mellitus receiving statin and ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy. 95 patients were included in the study and divided into four groups depending on the use of statin and ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy. Group 1 comprised of patients receiving statin therapy (n = 15), Group 2 comprised of patients receiving ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy (n = 31), Group 3 comprised of patients receiving statin and ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy (n = 23), and Group 4 comprised of patients who did not receive either statin or ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy (n = 26). These four groups were compared with respect to protein C, protein S, fibrinogen, D-dimer, INR, and aPTT levels. There were statistically significant differences with respect to protein C levels. Group 1 and group 2 had higher protein C levels compared with group 4. (p < .01). Similarly, Group 3 had higher protein C levels compared with group 4. (p < .01). There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to protein S, INR, aPTT, and D-dimer levels. Diabetic patients receiving statin or ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy had higher protein C levels. Use of statin and ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy in diabetic patients decrease hypercoagulability and therefore could reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular events. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In Vitro Analysis of Acetalated Dextran Microparticles as a Potent Delivery Platform for Vaccine Adjuvants

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

dendritic cells produced significantly higher levels of IL-1{3. IL-6; ll-12p70, and M! P -1u as compared to their counterparts receiving free imiquimod...Minor, P . Vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV): Impact on polio- myelitis eradication. Vaccine 2009, 27 (20), 2649-52. 10.1021/mp90031lx !!!/ 2010...bone marrow derived dendritic cells produced significantly higher levels of IL-1{3. IL-6; ll-12p70, and M! P -1u as compared to their counterparts

Simulation study of natural UV-B radiation on Catla catla and its impact on physiology, oxidative stress, Hsp 70 and DNA fragmentation.

PubMed

Singh, Moirangthem Kameshwor; Sharma, Jai Gopal; Chakrabarti, Rina

2015-08-01

UV-B radiation is a potential stressor to the aquacultural species. Catla catla, catla larvae (1.08±0.065g) were exposed to different doses of UV-B radiation, 0 (control), 504, 1008, 1512 and 2016mJ/cm(2) at a mean radiant energy of 80μW/cm(2) for 21days. The dose of UV-B radiation was selected on the basis of the field study conducted in Lake Naini, Delhi, India (Latitude: 28°41'26″N and Longitude: 77°12″37″E). Significantly (P<0.05) lower survival, average weight and specific growth rate were found in UV-B irradiated larvae compared to the control one. Food conversion ratio was 1.5-4-fold higher in UV-B treated larvae compared to the control one. The carbonyl protein (CP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were significantly (P <0.05) higher in UV-B irradiated larvae compared to the control group. Among the treated larvae, CP and SOD were significantly (P <0.05) higher in larvae exposed at 1512mJ/cm(2) UV-B. A correlation was found between the CP and SOD (R(2)=0.834). Highest TBARS level was found in 2016mJ/cm(2) UV-B exposed catla. Nitric oxide synthase level was significantly (P <0.05) lower in UV-B exposed larvae compared to the control one. A 3-fold increased Hsp 70 level was recorded in UV-B irradiated catla compared to the control larvae. Comet assay analysis indicated that UV-B irradiation enhanced DNA fragmentation. Tail extent moment and the olive tail moment were significantly (P <0.05) higher in 2016mJ/cm(2) UV-B exposed catla compared to others. The tail length was significantly (P <0.05) higher in 1512 and 2016mJ/cm(2) UV-B exposed larvae compared to the other doses. The present study suggests that the catla is a useful species for the biomonitoring of stress in the aquatic environment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Comparison of Blood Metal Ions in Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Metal and Ceramic Heads.

PubMed

White, Peter B; Meftah, Morteza; Ranawat, Amar S; Ranawat, Chitranjan S

2016-10-01

In recent time, metal ion debris and adverse local tissue reaction have reemerged as an area of clinical concern with the use of large femoral heads after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Between June 2014 and January 2015, 60 patients with a noncemented THA using a titanium (titanium, molybdenum, zirconium, and iron alloy) femoral stem and a V40 trunnion were identified with a minimum 5-year follow-up. All THAs had a 32- or 36-mm metal (n = 30) or ceramic (n = 30) femoral head coupled with highly cross-linked polyethylene. Cobalt, chromium, and nickel ions were measured. Patients with metal heads had detectable cobalt and chromium levels. Cobalt levels were detectable in 17 (56.7%) patients with a mean of 2.0 μg/L (range: <1.0-10.8 μg/L). Chromium levels were detectable in 5 (16.7%) patients with a mean of 0.3 μg/L (range: <1.0-2.2 μg/L). All patients with a ceramic head had nondetectable cobalt and chromium levels. Cobalt and chromium levels were significantly higher with metal heads compared to ceramic heads (P < .01). Cobalt levels were significantly higher with 36-mm metal heads compared with 32-mm heads (P < .01). Seven patients with metal femoral heads had mild hip symptoms, 4 of whom had positive findings of early adverse local tissue reaction on magnetic resonance imaging. All ceramic THA was asymptomatic. The incidence and magnitude of cobalt and chromium levels is higher in metal heads compared to ceramic heads with this implant system (P < .01). Thirty-six millimeter metal femoral heads result in larger levels of cobalt compared with 32-mm metal heads. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Is Shift Work Associated with Lipid Disturbances and Increased Insulin Resistance?

PubMed

Alefishat, Eman; Abu Farha, Rana

2015-11-01

Shift work is associated with higher risk of metabolic disturbances and cardiovascular diseases. There are contradictory reports on the effect of shift work on lipid parameters in the literature. No studies have investigated any possible association between shift work and the ratio of serum triglyceride to high density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C ratio). This ratio can be used as a predictor for insulin resistance. The main aim of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between shift work and serum TG/HDL-C ratio, TG level, and HDL-C level. One hundred and forty adult Jordanian employees were recruited. Demographic data, lifestyle habits, clinical parameters, and working patterns data were documented through a well-structured questionnaire. Serum TG and HDL-C levels were measured after at least 9 hours fasting using enzymatic assay procedure. Compared with daytime workers (58 subjects), shift workers (82 subjects) displayed higher TG/HDL-C ratio (r = 0.217, P = 0.013), higher serum TG levels (r = 0.220, P = 0.012), and lower HDL-C levels (r = -0.200, P = 0.016). Among shift workers, 30.5% were found to have a TG/HDL-C ratio >3.5 compared with 8.6% of daytime workers (P = 0.002). In the present study, shift work was shown to be associated with higher TG/HDL-C ratio, higher serum TG, and lower HDL-C levels. These findings might indicate that shift work is associated with increased insulin resistance and consequently higher risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases.

Circulating maternal cortisol levels during vaginal delivery and elective cesarean section.

PubMed

Stjernholm, Ylva Vladic; Nyberg, Annie; Cardell, Monica; Höybye, Charlotte

2016-08-01

Maternal S-cortisol levels increase throughout pregnancy and peak in the third trimester. Even higher levels are seen during the physical stress of delivery. Since analgesia for women in labor has improved, it is possible that maternal stress during labor is reduced. The aim of this study was to compare maternal S-cortisol during vaginal delivery and elective cesarean section. Twenty healthy women with spontaneous vaginal delivery and healthy women (n = 20) undergoing elective cesarean section were included in the study. S-cortisol was measured during three stages of spontaneous vaginal delivery (tvd1, tvd2 and tvd3), as well as before and after elective cesarean section (tcs1 and tcs2). In the vaginal delivery group, mean S-cortisol at tvd1 was 1325 ± 521 nmol/L, at tvd2 1559 ± 591 nmol/L and at tvd3 1368 ± 479 nmol/L. In the cesarean section group, mean S-cortisol at tcs1 was 906 ± 243 nmol/L and at tcs2 831 ± 257 nmol/L. S-cortisol was higher in the vaginal delivery group at the onset of labor as compared to the cesarean section preoperative group (p = 0.006). There were also significant differences between S-cortisol levels postpartum as compared to postoperatively (p < 0.001). Maternal S-cortisol was higher during vaginal delivery compared to elective cesarean section, indicating higher stress levels. A reduction in the hydrocortisone dose at childbirth in women with adrenal insufficiency should be considered, particularly in women undergoing an elective cesarean section.

The urinary bladder of spontaneously hypertensive rat demonstrates bladder hypertrophy, inflammation, and fibrosis but not hyperplasia

PubMed Central

Shen, Shanwei; Xia, Chun-mei; Qiao, Li-Ya

2014-01-01

The present study aims to systemically characterize the factors that are associated with urinary bladder organ enlargement in the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Material and Methods We compared the SHR to age-matched normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) control rats in the levels of bladder pro-inflammatory factors, collagen expression (type I), and detrusor smooth muscle growth. Key Findings Our results showed that enhanced inflammatory responses and fibrosis were key factors that were closely associated with bladder wall thickening in SHR. Specifically the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-6 and TNFα were significantly higher in SHR than those in WKY. The SHR also had a higher number of mast cells in the suburothelium space. Type I collagen production was also significantly higher in SHR when compared to those in control rats. However, the smooth muscle content stayed the same in SHR and WKY rats. This was shown as that the ratio of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) to the nuclear protein histone H3 showed no difference between these two rat strains. The mRNA and protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) also showed no change in the urinary bladder of SHR and WKY. Further study showed that the phosphorylation level of Akt in the urinary bladder was not changed in SHR when compared to WKY. In contrast, the phosphorylation level of ERK1/2 was significantly higher in SHR bladder when compared to WKY. Significance These results suggest that inflammation and fibrosis are primary factors that may lead to urinary bladder hypertrophy in SHR. PMID:25445218

Genes with stable DNA methylation levels show higher evolutionary conservation than genes with fluctuant DNA methylation levels.

PubMed

Zhang, Ruijie; Lv, Wenhua; Luan, Meiwei; Zheng, Jiajia; Shi, Miao; Zhu, Hongjie; Li, Jin; Lv, Hongchao; Zhang, Mingming; Shang, Zhenwei; Duan, Lian; Jiang, Yongshuai

2015-11-24

Different human genes often exhibit different degrees of stability in their DNA methylation levels between tissues, samples or cell types. This may be related to the evolution of human genome. Thus, we compared the evolutionary conservation between two types of genes: genes with stable DNA methylation levels (SM genes) and genes with fluctuant DNA methylation levels (FM genes). For long-term evolutionary characteristics between species, we compared the percentage of the orthologous genes, evolutionary rate dn/ds and protein sequence identity. We found that the SM genes had greater percentages of the orthologous genes, lower dn/ds, and higher protein sequence identities in all the 21 species. These results indicated that the SM genes were more evolutionarily conserved than the FM genes. For short-term evolutionary characteristics among human populations, we compared the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) density, and the linkage disequilibrium (LD) degree in HapMap populations and 1000 genomes project populations. We observed that the SM genes had lower SNP densities, and higher degrees of LD in all the 11 HapMap populations and 13 1000 genomes project populations. These results mean that the SM genes had more stable chromosome genetic structures, and were more conserved than the FM genes.

Concurrent immunomodulator therapy is associated with higher adalimumab trough levels during scheduled maintenance therapy.

PubMed

Bond, Ashley; Dodd, Susanna; Fisher, Gareth; Skouras, Thomas; Subramanian, Sreedhar

2017-02-01

Combination therapy with infliximab and immunomodulators is superior to monotherapy, resulting in better outcomes and higher trough levels of infliximab. The role of concurrent immunomodulatory therapy on adalimumab trough levels has not been adequately investigated. We evaluated the impact of concomitant immunomodulation on adalimumab trough levels in patients on scheduled maintenance therapy. We conducted a prospective observational, cross-sectional study of all inflammatory bowel disease patients on maintenance therapy who had adalimumab trough levels measured between January 2013 and January 2016. Drug level and anti-drug antibody measurements were performed on sera using a solid phase assay. Pairwise comparison of means was used to compare trough levels in patients with and without concomitant immune modulator therapy. In total, 79 patients were included. Twenty-three patients (29.1%) were on weekly dosing whereas 56 (70.9%) were on alternate weeks. Median adalimumab trough levels were comparable in patients with and without clinical remission (6.8 μg/ml (IQR 5.6-8.1) versus 6.7 μg/ml (IQR 3.9-8.1), respectively. Patients with an elevated faecal calprotectin >250 μg/g had lower adalimumab trough levels (median 6.7, IQR 3.9-8) compared to patients with faecal calprotectin <250 μg/g (median 7.7, IQR 6.1-8.1) though this did not achieve statistical significance (p = .062). Median adalimumab trough levels among patients on concurrent immunomodulators was 7.2 μg/ml (IQR 5.7-8.1) compared to those not on concurrent immunomodulator, 6.1 μg/ml (IQR 2.7-7.7, p = .0297). Adalimumab trough levels were significantly higher in patients on concurrent immunomodulators during maintenance therapy. There was a trend towards a lower adalimumab trough level in patients with elevated calprotectin.

Systemic Glucose Level Changes with a Carbohydrate-Restricted and Higher Protein Diet Combined with Exercise

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bowden, Rodney G.; Lanning, Beth A.; Doyle, Eva I.; Slonaker, Becky; Johnston, Holly M.; Scanes, Georgene

2007-01-01

Objective: The authors' purpose in this study was to compare the effects of macronutrient intake on systemic glucose levels in previously sedentary participants who followed 1 of 4 diets that were either higher protein or high carbohydrate, while initiating an exercise program. Participants and Methods: The authors randomly assigned 94 sedentary…

Talking about health: correction employees' assessments of obstacles to healthy living.

PubMed

Morse, Tim; Dussetschleger, Jeffrey; Warren, Nicholas; Cherniack, Martin

2011-09-01

Describe health risks/obstacles to health among correctional employees. Mixed-methods approach combined results from four focus groups, 10 interviews, 335 surveys, and 197 physical assessments. Obesity levels were higher than national averages (40.7% overweight and 43.3% obese), with higher levels associated with job tenure, male gender, and working off-shift. Despite widespread concern about the lack of fitness, leisure exercise was higher than national norms. Respondents had higher levels of hypertension than national norms, with 31% of men and 25.8% of women hypertensive compared with 17.1% and 15.1% for national norms. Stress levels were elevated. Officers related their stress to concerns about security, administrative requirements, and work/family imbalance. High stress levels are reflected in elevated levels of hypertension. Correctional employees are at high risk for chronic disease, and environmental changes are needed to reduce risk factors. (C)2011The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

YKL-40, CCL18 and SP-D predict mortality in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia.

PubMed

Spoorenberg, Simone M C; Vestjens, Stefan M T; Rijkers, Ger T; Meek, Bob; van Moorsel, Coline H M; Grutters, Jan C; Bos, Willem Jan W

2017-04-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of four biomarkers, YKL-40, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 18 (CCL18), surfactant protein-D (SP-D) and CA 15-3, in patients admitted with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). These markers have been studied extensively in chronic pulmonary disease, but in acute pulmonary disease their prognostic value is unknown. A total of 289 adult patients who were hospitalized with CAP and participated in a randomized controlled trial were enrolled. Biomarker levels were measured on the day of admission. Intensive care unit admission, 30-day, 1-year and long-term mortality (median follow-up of 5.4 years, interquartile range (IQR): 4.7-6.1) were recorded as outcomes. Median YKL-40 and CCL18 levels were significantly higher and levels of SP-D were significantly lower in CAP patients compared to healthy controls. Significantly higher YKL-40, CCL18 and SP-D levels were found in patients classified in pneumonia severity index classes 4-5 and with a CURB-65 score ≥2 compared to patients with less severe pneumonia. Furthermore, these three markers were significant predictors for long-term mortality in multivariate analysis and compared with C-reactive protein and procalcitonin level on admission, area under the curves were higher for 30-day, 1-year and long-term mortality. CA 15-3 levels were less predictive. YKL-40, CCL18 and SP-D levels were higher in patients with more severe pneumonia, possibly reflecting the extent of pulmonary inflammation. Of these, YKL-40 most significantly predicts mortality for CAP. © 2016 Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.

Salivary lactate dehydrogenase and aminotransferases in diabetic patients

PubMed Central

Malicka, Barbara; Skoskiewicz-Malinowska, Katarzyna; Kaczmarek, Urszula

2016-01-01

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases resulting from impaired insulin secretion and/or action. DM is characterized by hyperglycemia that can lead to the dysfunction or damage of organs, including the salivary glands. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of salivary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in diabetic patients. The study was approved by the Bioethics Committee of Wroclaw Medical University (Poland). The study comprised 90 adults of both sexes, aged 21 to 57 years. The patients were divided into 3 groups: type 1 diabetics (D1), type 2 diabetics (D2), and a healthy control group (C). Each group consisted of 30 age- and sex-matched subjects. Total protein (P, by Lowry method), LDH, AST, ALT (with Alpha Diagnostics kits), and salivary flow rate were measured in unstimulated mixed saliva. The level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured with DCA 2000 Reagent Kit. The obtained data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test and the Spearman rank at a significance level of P < 0.05 with the use of STATISTICA 9.0 software. In comparison with C, D1 presented a significantly higher activity of LDH (P < 0.001), AST (P < 0.001), and ALT (P < 0.01), whereas D2 indicated higher levels of LDH (P < 0.001) and ALT (P < 0.05) compared with C. Comparing D1 to D2, approximately 3-fold higher activity of AST (P < 0.01) and approximately 4.5-fold higher activity of ALT (P < 0.01) was observed. Higher levels of salivary LDH, AST, and ALT in D1 compared with D2 and C confirm that salivary glands of D1 might be attributed to autoimmunological damage associated with the pathomechanism of DM. PMID:27893660

Salivary lactate dehydrogenase and aminotransferases in diabetic patients.

PubMed

Malicka, Barbara; Skoskiewicz-Malinowska, Katarzyna; Kaczmarek, Urszula

2016-11-01

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases resulting from impaired insulin secretion and/or action. DM is characterized by hyperglycemia that can lead to the dysfunction or damage of organs, including the salivary glands.The aim of this study was to compare the levels of salivary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in diabetic patients.The study was approved by the Bioethics Committee of Wroclaw Medical University (Poland). The study comprised 90 adults of both sexes, aged 21 to 57 years. The patients were divided into 3 groups: type 1 diabetics (D1), type 2 diabetics (D2), and a healthy control group (C). Each group consisted of 30 age- and sex-matched subjects. Total protein (P, by Lowry method), LDH, AST, ALT (with Alpha Diagnostics kits), and salivary flow rate were measured in unstimulated mixed saliva. The level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured with DCA 2000 Reagent Kit. The obtained data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Spearman rank at a significance level of P < 0.05 with the use of STATISTICA 9.0 software.In comparison with C, D1 presented a significantly higher activity of LDH (P < 0.001), AST (P < 0.001), and ALT (P < 0.01), whereas D2 indicated higher levels of LDH (P < 0.001) and ALT (P < 0.05) compared with C. Comparing D1 to D2, approximately 3-fold higher activity of AST (P < 0.01) and approximately 4.5-fold higher activity of ALT (P < 0.01) was observed.Higher levels of salivary LDH, AST, and ALT in D1 compared with D2 and C confirm that salivary glands of D1 might be attributed to autoimmunological damage associated with the pathomechanism of DM.

Serum PCB levels and congener profiles among teachers in PCB-containing schools: a pilot study

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background PCB contamination in the built environment may result from the release of PCBs from building materials. The significance of this contamination as a pathway of human exposure is not well-characterized, however. This research compared the serum PCB concentrations, and congener profiles between 18 teachers in PCB-containing schools and referent populations. Methods Blood samples from 18 teachers in PCB-containing schools were analyzed for 57 PCB congeners. Serum PCB concentrations and congener patterns were compared between the teachers, to the 2003-4 NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) data, and to data from 358 Greater Boston area men. Results Teachers at one school had higher levels of lighter (PCB 6-74) congeners compared to teachers from other schools. PCB congener 47 contributed substantially to these elevated levels. Older teachers (ages 50-64) from all schools had higher total (sum of 33 congeners) serum PCB concentrations than age-comparable NHANES reference values. Comparing the teachers to the referent population of men from the Greater Boston area (all under age 51), no difference in total serum PCB levels was observed between the referents and teachers up to 50 years age. However, the teachers had significantly elevated serum concentrations of lighter congeners (PCB 6-74). This difference was confirmed by comparing the congener-specific ratios between groups, and principal component analysis showed that the relative contribution of lighter congeners differed between the teachers and the referents. Conclusions These findings suggest that the teachers in the PCB-containing buildings had higher serum levels of lighter PCB congeners (PCB 6-74) than the referent populations. Examination of the patterns, as well as concentrations of individual PCB congeners in serum is essential to investigating the contributions from potential environmental sources of PCB exposure. PMID:21668970

Adiposity-Related Biochemical Phenotype in Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Prone 6 (SAMP6)

PubMed Central

Niimi, Kimie; Takahashi, Eiki; Itakura, Chitoshi

2009-01-01

Senescence-accelerated mouse prone 6 (SAMP6) is a model of senile osteoporosis. From 10 to 22 wk of age, SAMP6 mice were heavier than age-matched AKR/J and SAMR1 mice. Body mass indices of 10- and 25-wk-old SAMP6 mice were higher than those of age-matched AKR/J and SAMR1 mice, indicating obesity in the SAMP6 animals. We compared the blood biochemical values among SAMP6, SAMR1, and AKR/J mice to assess whether the SAMP6 strain has abnormal obesity-related parameters. Plasma glucose, triglyceride, insulin, and leptin levels were higher in 10-wk-old SAMP6 mice than in age-matched SAMR1 and AKR/J mice, whereas plasma glucagon and adiponectin levels in 25-wk-old SAMP6 were lower compared with those in age-matched SAMR1 and AKR/J. Total cholesterol levels in SAMR1 and SAMP6 mice at 10 and 25 wk of age were higher than those in AKR/J mice. Hepatic lipid levels were higher in 10- and 25-wk-old SAMP6 mice compared with age-matched AKR/J and SAMR1 animals. These results indicate that SAMP6 mice exhibit obesity and hyperlipidemia, suggesting that the SAMP6 strain is a potential tool for the study of hyperlipidemia. PMID:19887026

A quantitative review of overjustification effects in persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

PubMed

Levy, Allison; DeLeon, Iser G; Martinez, Catherine K; Fernandez, Nathalie; Gage, Nicholas A; Sigurdsson, Sigurdur Óli; Frank-Crawford, Michelle A

2017-04-01

The overjustification hypothesis suggests that extrinsic rewards undermine intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic rewards are common in strengthening behavior in persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities; we examined overjustification effects in this context. A literature search yielded 65 data sets permitting comparison of responding during an initial no-reinforcement phase to a subsequent no-reinforcement phase, separated by a reinforcement phase. We used effect sizes to compare response levels in these two no-reinforcement phases. Overall, the mean effect size did not differ from zero; levels in the second no-reinforcement phase were equally likely to be higher or lower than in the first. However, in contrast to the overjustification hypothesis, levels were higher in the second no-reinforcement phase when comparing the single no-reinforcement sessions immediately before and after reinforcement. Outcomes consistent with the overjustification hypothesis were somewhat more likely when the target behavior occurred at relatively higher levels prior to reinforcement. © 2016 Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.

Social anxiety in physical activity participation in patients with mental illness: a cross-sectional multicenter study.

PubMed

De Herdt, Amber; Knapen, Jan; Vancampfort, Davy; De Hert, Marc; Brunner, Emanuel; Probst, Michel

2013-08-01

Social anxiety (SA) is a frequent comorbid condition in patients with mental illness. However, no data exist regarding SA in physical activity (PA) situations. The aim of the present study was to measure the level of self-reported SA in PA participation in patients with mental illness compared to healthy controls. Six hundred ninety-three patients with mental illness and 2,888 controls aged between 18 and 65 years completed the Physical Activity and Sport Anxiety Scale (PASAS). Group and gender differences in PASAS scores were tested by ANOVA and Scheffé's post hoc test. After controlling for gender (P < .05), the patient group (men 40.2 ± 14.4; women 49.2 ± 17) scored higher on the PASAS compared to control group (men 30.6 ± 12.2; women 37.3 ± 13.7). Within both groups, women reported higher levels of SA compared to men. Our data indicate that patients with mental illness reported higher levels of SA in PA situations compared to healthy control subjects. Health professionals should consider SA when trying to improve outcome and adherence of patients with mental illness to PA interventions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Association between Homocysteine and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Piao, Xiangyu; Wu, Guangyao; Yang, Pei; Shen, Jing; De, Ailing; Wu, Jianlin; Qu, Qiumin

2018-05-22

This study aimed to evaluate whether elevated homocysteine levels is associated with risk of different subtypes of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) by using meta-analysis. Electronic databases were systematically searched up to April 2018 for collecting the studies reporting homocysteine levels in CSVD or CSVD subtypes. After an inclusion and exclusion criteria, the data was extracted. All data was analyzed using Stata software v.12.0 (Stata Corp LP, College Station, TX). The standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to compare continuous variables. Eighteen studies met eligibility criteria with 5088 participants (1987 patients with CSVD and 3101 controls) included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that, compared with the controls group, the CSVD group had significantly higher homocysteine levels, with the SMD of .50 and 95% CI (.36-.64). Subgroup analyses suggested white matter lesion had significantly higher levels of homocysteine compared with controls (SMD = .56, 95% CI .39-.73), followed by silent brain infarction (SMD = .33, 95% CI .24-.42) and lacunar infarction (SMD = .17, 95% CI -.06 to .40). This meta-analysis found that CSVD or CSVD subtypes have a significantly higher homocysteine levels than in controls. Further prospective population-based studies are needed to longitudinally evaluate the association between homocysteine levels and progression of different CSVD subtypes. Copyright © 2018 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Follow-up of blood glucose distribution characteristics in a health examination population in Chengdu from 2010 to 2016.

PubMed

Wang, Yuting; Xu, Wangdong; Zhang, Qiongying; Bao, Ting; Yang, Hanwei; Huang, Wenxia; Tang, Huairong

2018-02-01

The worldwide prevalence and incidence of diabetes and obesity are increasing in pandemic proportions. Thus, regular health examination is an important way for early detection of diabetes and glucose intolerance. The present study aims to detect the blood glucose distribution characteristics of the participants in the Health Examination Center at West China Hospital, Sichuan University from 2010 to 2016.A prospective cohort included 9168 Chinese participants, aged 18 years or more, who had available information on fasting blood glucose concentrations at the start of the study (2010). Examination surveys were conducted every year from 2010 to 2016. Cases having serum level of fasting blood glucose between 2.2 and 6.1 mmol/L were considered as normality, while serum level of fasting blood glucose < 2.2 or higher than 6.2 mmol/L were considered as abnormality.The percentage of participants having normal level of glucose was gradually reduced both in males and females from 2010 to 2016, by which the percentage of males having normal level of glucose was significantly lower than that in females. Moreover, the mean level of glucose was significantly increased from 2010 to 2016 both in males and females overall, and the mean level of glucose was higher in males compared with that in females every year. Furthermore, we showed that the level of glucose was gradually increased year by year in each age group, and the level of glucose was higher in aged cases compared with the young population.The study population in the current study showed higher levels of glucose with ages increasing, and males indicated higher expression of glucose than that in females. Some preventive action may be adopted early and more attention can be paid to this health-examination population.

Short repeats in the heme oxygenase 1 gene promoter is associated with increased levels of inflammation, ferritin and higher risk of type-2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Andrews, Mónica; Leiva, Elba; Arredondo-Olguín, Miguel

2016-09-01

We evaluated the relationship between the HO1 genotype, ferritin levels and the risk of type-2 diabetes and inflammation. Eight hundred thirty-five individuals were evaluated and classified according to their nutritional status and the presence of type-2 diabetes: 153 overweight (OW); 62 obese (OB); 55 type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM); 202 OWDM; 239 OBDM and 124 controls (C). We studied biochemical (glycemia, insulin, lipid profile, liver enzyme, creatinine, hsCRP), hematological (hemoglobin, free erythrocyte protoporphyrin, transferrin receptor and serum Fe and ferritin) and oxidative stress (SOD, GHS and TBARS) parameters. We determined heme oxygenase activity and the (GT)n polymorphism in its gene promoter. Individuals with diabetes, independent of nutritional status, showed high levels of ferritin and HO activity compared to control subjects. Allelic frequency was not different between the groups (Chi(2), NS) however, genotypes were different (Chi(2), P<0.001). The SS (short-short) genotype was higher in all DM individuals compared to controls and MM was higher in controls. SM (short-medium) genotype was an independent risk factor for DM in logistic regression analysis. We observed high risk for type-2 diabetes mellitus in the presence of SM genotype and high levels of ferritin (OR adjusted: 2.7; 1.9-3.6; p<0.001; compared to control group). It was also significantly related to inflammation. The SM genotype in HO1 gene promoter and ferritin levels were associated with higher risk for type-2 diabetes and for having a higher marker of inflammation, which is the main risk factor for the development of chronic diseases. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

The Development of Transnational Higher Education in China: A Comparative Study of Research Universities and Teaching Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fang, Wenhong

2012-01-01

This article presents an empirical study of transnational higher education in China at the institutional level. The units of analysis are the Chinese partner universities of transnational higher education programs. Through comparison of research universities and teaching universities, the study finds that transnational higher education programs…

Physiologic responses to forward and retrograde simulated stair stepping.

PubMed

Ryan, P T; Plowman, S A; Ball, T E; Looney, M A

1994-07-01

This study compared the physiologic responses to forward and retrograde simulated stair stepping on the StairMaster 4000 PT. Twenty male subjects (mean age 23.65 +/- 1.63 years) volunteered for this study. Subjects completed a practice trial of 6 minutes of both forward and retrograde stepping at Level 5. Each experimental trial was divided into four 3-minute stages: Level 3, Level 5, Level 7, and Level 9. Heart rate, blood pressure, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded during the second minute of each stage. Expired gases were analyzed and averaged over the last 2 minutes of each stage. Caloric expenditure and delta efficiency were later calculated. Data were analyzed using a 2 x 4 ANOVA (direction by level) and 2 x 3 ANOVA (for delta efficiency). Compared to forward responses, retrograde heart rates were significantly higher at Levels 7 and 9 (p < 0.01). Retrograde responses for RPE, metabolic equivalents (METS), and caloric expenditure were significantly higher at (p < 0.01) Levels 5, 7, and 9 when compared to forward responses. However, the results of this study show that these differences between forward and retrograde stepping are not practically meaningful.

Anxiety and personality traits in patients with muscle related temporomandibular disorders.

PubMed

Pallegama, R W; Ranasinghe, A W; Weerasinghe, V S; Sitheeque, M A M

2005-10-01

This study tested the hypothesis that muscle related temporomandibular disorder patients with cervical muscle pain exhibit greater degree of psychological distress compared with patients without cervical muscle pain and controls. Thirty-eight muscle related temporomandibular disorder patients including 10 patients with cervical muscle pain and 41 healthy individuals as controls participated in the study. State and trait anxiety levels were assessed with the Spielberger's state and trait anxiety inventory. Personality traits (extroversion, neuroticism, psychoticism and social desirability) were assessed using the Eysenck's personality questionnaire, and the pain intensities described over the muscles were recorded using a 100 mm visual analogue scale. The muscle related temporomandibular disorder patients, in general, exhibited significantly higher degrees of neuroticism and trait anxiety. The patients with cervical muscle pain demonstrated a significantly higher level of psychoticism compared with the patients without cervical muscle pain and the controls and a significantly higher state anxiety level than the controls. They also demonstrated higher pain intensities in masseter and temporalis muscles compared with patients without cervical muscle pain. It has been suggested that either subjects with psychological distress are prone to temporomandibular disorders, or psychological distress is a manifestation of existing chronic pain conditions. The present findings demand further investigations and broader approach in management, as muscle related temporomandibular disorder patients with cervical muscle pain were both physically and psychologically compromised to a greater degree compared with patients without cervical muscle pain.

Effects of cannabidiol on schizophrenia-like symptoms in people who use cannabis.

PubMed

Morgan, Celia J A; Curran, H Valerie

2008-04-01

Cannabis contains various cannabinoids, two of which have almost opposing actions: Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC) is psychotomimetic, whereas cannabidiol (CBD) has antipsychotic effects. Hair samples were analysed to examine levels of Delta9-THC and CBD in 140 individuals. Three clear groups emerged: ;THC only', ;THC+CBD' and those with no cannabinoid in hair. The THC only group showed higher levels of positive schizophrenia-like symptoms compared with the no cannabinoid and THC+CBD groups, and higher levels of delusions compared with the no cannabinoid group. This provides evidence of the divergent properties of cannabinoids and has important implications for research into the link between cannabis use and psychosis.

Effects of high-protein diet containing isolated whey protein in rats submitted to resistance training of aquatic jumps.

PubMed

Avila, Eudes Thiago Pereira; da Rosa Lima, Thiago; Tibana, Ramires Alsamir; de Almeida, Paula Caroline; Fraga, Géssica Alves; de Souza Sena, Mariana; Corona, Luiz Felipe Petusk; Navalta, James Wilfred; Rezaei, Sajjad; Ghayomzadeh, Morteza; Damazo, Amílcar Sabino; Prestes, Jonato; Voltarelli, Fabrício Azevedo

2018-02-13

Isolated whey protein (IWP) can decrease body fat compared with other protein sources. The present study verified the effects of high protein diet (HD) containing IWP on several parameters of rats subjected to resistance training (RT). Thirty-two male Wistar rats (60 days of age) were separated into four groups (n = 8/group): sedentary normoproteic (IWP 14%; SN); sedentary hyperproteic (IWP 35%; SH); trained normoproteic (IWP 14%; TN), and trained hyperproteic (WPI 35%; TH). Relative tissue/organ weight (g): perirenal and retroperitoneal adipose tissues were lower in SH and TH compared with SN (no difference to TN); omental and subcutaneous adipose tissues were higher in SN compared with SH. Epididymal adipose tissue was higher in SN compared with other groups. Heart weight was higher in TH compared with TN and SN, but not SH; kidney and liver higher in TH and SH compared with SN and TN; gastrocnemius lower in SN compared with other groups; soleus higher in SH in relation to other groups. The triglycerides levels (mg/dL) was reduced in the TH groups compared with SH, TN, and SN. There were no changes both in the concentrations of adiponectin and leptin and in the protein expression of GLUT-4 and p70 s6k . HD containing WPI improved body composition, increased the weight of the heart, kidneys, liver and gastrocnemius and soleus muscles; however, this diet maintained the normal histomorphology of muscle and liver and, when associated with RT, reduced the serum levels of triglycerides. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Heightened circulating levels of antimicrobial peptides in tuberculosis—Diabetes co-morbidity and reversal upon treatment

PubMed Central

Kumar, Nathella Pavan; Moideen, Kadar; Viswanathan, Vijay; Sivakumar, Shanmugam; Menon, Pradeep A.; Kornfeld, Hardy

2017-01-01

Background The association of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with tuberculosis—diabetes comorbidity (PTB-DM) is not well understood. Methods To study the association of AMPs with PTB-DM, we examined the systemic levels of cathelicidin (LL37), human beta defensin– 2 (HBD2), human neutrophil peptides 1–3, (HNP1-3) and granulysin in individuals with either PTB-DM, PTB, latent TB (LTB) or no TB infection (NTB). Results Circulating levels of cathelicidin and HBD2 were significantly higher and granulysin levels were significantly lower in PTB-DM compared to PTB, LTB or NTB, while the levels of HNP1-3 were significantly higher in PTB-DM compared to LTB or NTB individuals. Moreover, the levels of cathelicidin and/or HBD2 were significantly higher in PTB-DM or PTB individuals with bilateral and cavitary disease and also exhibited a significant positive relationship with bacterial burden. Cathelidin, HBD2 and HNP1-3 levels exhibited a positive relationship with HbA1c and/or fasting blood glucose levels. Finally, anti-tuberculosis therapy resulted in significantly diminished levels of cathelicidin, HBD2, granulysin and significantly enhanced levels of HNP1-3 and granulysin in PTB-DM and/or PTB individuals. Conclusion Therefore, our data demonstrate that PTB-DM is associated with markedly enhanced levels of AMPs and diminished levels of granulysin. PMID:28910369

The Development of a Monitoring System of Higher Education Quality in Ukraine and Germany: Comparative Component

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chorna, Olga

2015-01-01

The article reveals specific features of functioning systems of higher education quality monitoring at the present stage, taking into account national traditions, historical experience and mentality of the population. The article introduces a comparative analysis of monitoring actors at national, regional and local levels in two countries. The…

Insulin and C-peptide secretion in non-obese patients with polycystic ovarian disease.

PubMed

Mahabeer, S; Jialal, I; Norman, R J; Naidoo, C; Reddi, K; Joubert, S M

1989-09-01

Plasma glucose, immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and C-peptide responses during an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) were assessed in 11 non-obese patients with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) and 11 reference subjects matched for age, height and weight. Also, 6 patients with PCOD and 6 normal women were subjected to intravenous glucose tolerance testing (ivGTT) On oGTT, all subjects exhibited normal glucose tolerance; however, PCOD patients had significantly higher mean plasma glucose levels at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min and higher mean incremental glucose areas. In addition the patients with polycystic ovaries showed higher mean basal IRI and C-peptide levels, higher mean glucose stimulated IRI and C-peptide levels and higher mean incremental IRI and C-peptide values. The molar ratios of C-peptide/IRI were significantly lower in the PCOD group at all time intervals after glucose stimulation when compared to the normal women. During ivGTT, there were significantly higher mean glucose levels at 5, 40, 50 and 60 min in the PCOD group when compared to the reference group. The IRI response to intravenous glucose in the PCOD women was similar to the reference group. The findings on oGTT suggest that non-obese patients with PCOD have increased pancreatic IRI secretion as well as impaired hepatic extraction of the hormone.

Bone Status Among Patients With Nonsurgical Hypoparathyroidism, Autosomal Dominant Hypocalcaemia, and Pseudohypoparathyroidism: A Cohort Study.

PubMed

Underbjerg, Line; Malmstroem, Sofie; Sikjaer, Tanja; Rejnmark, Lars

2018-03-01

Nonsurgical hypoparathyroidism (Ns-HypoPT) and pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) are both rare diseases, characterized by hypocalcemia. In Ns-HypoPT, PTH levels are low, whereas patients with PHP often have very high levels due to receptor-insensitivity to PTH (PTH-resistance). Accordingly, we hypothesized that indices of bone turnover and bone mineralization/architecture are similar in Ns-HypoPT and PHP despite marked differences in PTH levels. We studied 62 patients with Ns-HypoPT and 31 with PHP as well as a group of age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We found a significantly higher areal BMD (aBMD) by DXA among patients with Ns-HypoPT, both compared with PHP and the background population. Compared with Ns-HypoPT, PHP patients had significantly lower total and trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD) assessed by quantitative computed tomography (QCT) scans at the spine and hip. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) scans showed a lower trabecular area and vBMD as well as a lower trabecular number at the tibia in PHP compared to Ns-HypoPT and matched controls. In PHP, PTH levels correlated with levels of markers of bone formation (osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, P1NP), and bone resorption (CTx). In adult males, levels of bone markers were significantly higher in PHP compared with Ns-HypoPT. Levels of procalcitonin and calcitonin were significantly higher in PHP compared with Ns-HypoPT. In conclusion, indices of bone turnover, density, and microarchitecture differ between patients with Ns-HypoPT and PHP. Our data suggest that patients with PHP do not have a complete skeletal resistance to PTH and that the effects of chronically high PTH levels in PHP are mostly confined to the trabecular tissue. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with frozen shoulder.

PubMed

Schiefer, Marcio; Teixeira, Patricia F Santos; Fontenelle, Cesar; Carminatti, Tiago; Santos, Daniel A; Righi, Lucas D; Conceição, Flavia Lucia

2017-01-01

Hypothyroidism and frozen shoulder (FS) have been associated, although this relationship remains uncertain. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with FS. A case-control study was performed to compare FS patients (cases) with patients who visited an orthopedic service for other clinical conditions (controls). FS was diagnosed according to specific criteria based on anamnesis, physical examination, and shoulder radiographs. A specific questionnaire was applied, and measurements of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free tetraiodothyronine were performed in all subjects. We evaluated 401 shoulders from 93 FS patients and 151 controls. The prevalence of hypothyroidism diagnosis was significantly higher in the FS group (27.2% vs. 10.7%; P = .001). There was also a tendency for higher prevalence of bilateral FS among patients with elevated TSH levels (P = .09). Mean serum TSH levels were higher in patients with bilateral FS compared with those with unilateral compromise (3.39 vs. 2.28; P = .05) and were higher in patients with severe FS compared with those with mild and moderate FS together (3.15 vs. 2.21; P = .03). Multivariate analysis showed that FS was independently related to a diagnosis of hypothyroidism (odds ratio, 3.1 [1.5-6.4]; P = .002). There was a trend toward independent association between high serum TSH levels and both severe (odds ratio, 3.5 [0.8-14.9]; P = .09) and bilateral (odds ratio, 11.7 [0.9-144.8]; P = .05) compromise. The prevalence of hypothyroidism was significantly higher in FS patients than in controls. The results suggest that higher serum TSH levels are associated with bilateral and severe cases of FS. Copyright © 2017 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nocturnal levels of chemerin and progranulin in adolescents: influence of sex, body mass index, glucose metabolism and sleep.

PubMed

Daxer, Johann; Herttrich, Theresa; Zhao, Ying Y; Vogel, Mandy; Hiemisch, Andreas; Scheuermann, Kathrin; Körner, Antje; Kratzsch, Jürgen; Kiess, Wieland; Quante, Mirja

2017-01-01

Adipokines have been implicated in obesity, insulin resistance and sleep regulation. However, the role of chemerin and progranulin, two recently described adipokines, in the context of sleep remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare nocturnal serum chemerin and progranulin levels between overweight/obese and normal-weight adolescents and to assess variations by sex, across different sleep stages and in relation to glucose metabolism. The study sample included 34 overweight/obese and 32 normal-weight adolescents from secondary schools and the Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases (LIFE) Child study cohort. We obtained longitudinal serum adipokine levels during in-laboratory polysomnography followed by an oral glucose tolerance test. Overweight/obese adolescents had significantly higher mean nocturnal serum chemerin area under the curve (AUC) levels (348.2±133.3 vs. 241.7±67.7 vs. ng/mL×h, p<0.001) compared to normal-weight controls. In detail, higher chemerin AUC levels in obese/overweight subjects were exclusively due to increased levels in females. No overall difference for serum progranulin AUC was found between the groups. However, when assessing sex-specific levels, serum progranulin AUC levels were ~30% higher in overweight/obese males compared to overweight/obese females. Of note, nocturnal serum chemerin and progranulin AUC did not exhibit a correlation with markers of glucose metabolism or sleep stages. Collectively, we report a sexual dimorphism in nocturnal progranulin and chemerin levels, which may help explain underlying differences in energy balance and body composition between males and females in the context of obesity.

Euphorbia milii-native bacteria interactions under airborne formaldehyde stress: Effect of epiphyte and endophyte inoculation in relation to IAA, ethylene and ROS levels.

PubMed

Khaksar, Gholamreza; Treesubsuntorn, Chairat; Thiravetyan, Paitip

2017-02-01

Better understanding of plant-bacteria interactions under stress is of the prime importance for enhancing airborne pollutant phytoremediation. No studies have investigated plant-epiphyte interactions compared to plant-endophyte interactions under airborne formaldehyde stress in terms of plant Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), ethylene, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and pollutant removal efficiency. Euphorbia milii was inoculated with native plant growth-promoting (PGP) endophytic and epiphytic isolates individually to investigate plant-endophyte compared to plant-epiphyte interactions under continuous formaldehyde fumigation. Under airborne formaldehyde stress, endophyte interacts with its host plant closely and provides higher levels of IAA which protected the plant against formaldehyde phytotoxicity by lowering intracellular ROS, ethylene levels and maintaining shoot epiphytic community; hence, higher pollutant removal. However, plant-epiphyte interactions could not provide enough IAA to confer protection against formaldehyde stress; thus, increased ROS and ethylene levels, large decrease in shoot epiphytic population and lower pollutant removal although epiphyte contacts with airborne pollutant directly (has greater access to gaseous formaldehyde). Endophyte-inoculated plant synthesized more tryptophan as a signaling molecule for its associated bacteria to produce IAA compared to the epiphyte-inoculated one. Under stress, PGP endophyte interacts with its host closely; thus, better protection against stress and higher pollutant removal compared to epiphyte which has limited interactions with the host plant; hence, lower pollutant removal. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Probability workshop to be better in probability topic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asmat, Aszila; Ujang, Suriyati; Wahid, Sharifah Norhuda Syed

2015-02-01

The purpose of the present study was to examine whether statistics anxiety and attitudes towards probability topic among students in higher education level have an effect on their performance. 62 fourth semester science students were given statistics anxiety questionnaires about their perception towards probability topic. Result indicated that students' performance in probability topic is not related to anxiety level, which means that the higher level in statistics anxiety will not cause lower score in probability topic performance. The study also revealed that motivated students gained from probability workshop ensure that their performance in probability topic shows a positive improvement compared before the workshop. In addition there exists a significance difference in students' performance between genders with better achievement among female students compared to male students. Thus, more initiatives in learning programs with different teaching approaches is needed to provide useful information in improving student learning outcome in higher learning institution.

A brief report on rape myth acceptance: differences between police officers, law students, and psychology students in the United Kingdom.

PubMed

Sleath, Emma; Bull, Ray

2015-01-01

A common perception is that police officers hold very negative attitudes about rape victims. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to establish whether police officers do accept stereotypical rape myths at a higher level compared to members of other populations. There were 3 comparison samples, composed of police officers, law students, and psychology students, that completed the Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance scale. Male and female police officers accepted "she lied" myths at a higher level than the student samples. Student samples were found to accept 2 types of rape myths ("she asked for it" and "he didn't meant to") at a higher level compared to police officers. No significant differences were found in the other 4 subfactors. Therefore, the pattern of results suggests that police officers do not adhere to stereotypical myths about rape victims more than do other populations.

Results from the 1987 total exposure assessment methodology (team) study in Southern California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartwell, T. D.; Perritt, R. L.; Pellizzari, E. D.; Michael, L. C.

Volatile organic compound (VOC) levels in breath, personal air and fixed-site (indoor and outdoor) air were measured and compared for a sample of 50 individuals in the Los Angeles area of California. Comparisons were also made between seasons (winter and summer), between breath samples taken at three different times during the 24-h monitoring period, and between exposure levels of smokers and non-smokers. Personal air levels were higher than indoor air levels and indoor levels were much higher than outdoor levels. Air concentrations in the kitchen and living area were quite similar. Air and breath levels were higher in the winter than in the summer. Little difference was found between levels for the three breath sampling periods. Mean personal air levels of VOCs related to smoking were higher in individuals exposed to tobacco smoke vs those who were not exposed. The personal air levels of smokers and passive smokers (those non-smokers exposed to tobacco smoke) were not significantly different; while similar air levels were found in the kitchen and primary living area of homes with smokers.

Enhanced triterpene accumulation in Panax ginseng hairy roots overexpressing mevalonate-5-pyrophosphate decarboxylase and farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase.

PubMed

Kim, Yong-Kyoung; Kim, Yeon Bok; Uddin, Md Romij; Lee, Sanghyun; Kim, Soo-Un; Park, Sang Un

2014-10-17

To elucidate the function of mevalonate-5-pyrophosphate decarboxylase (MVD) and farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPS) in triterpene biosynthesis, the genes governing the expression of these enzymes were transformed into Panax ginseng hairy roots. All the transgenic lines showed higher expression levels of PgMVD and PgFPS than that by the wild-type control. Among the hairy root lines transformed with PgMVD, M18 showed the highest level of transcription compared to the control (14.5-fold higher). Transcriptions of F11 and F20 transformed with PgFPS showed 11.1-fold higher level compared with control. In triterpene analysis, M25 of PgMVD produced 4.4-fold higher stigmasterol content (138.95 μg/100 mg, dry weight [DW]) than that by the control; F17 of PgFPS showed the highest total ginsenoside (36.42 mg/g DW) content, which was 2.4-fold higher compared with control. Our results indicate that metabolic engineering in P. ginseng was successfully achieved through Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation and that the accumulation of phytosterols and ginsenosides was enhanced by introducing the PgMVD and PgFPS genes into the hairy roots of the plant. Our results suggest that PgMVD and PgFPS play an important role in the triterpene biosynthesis of P. ginseng.

Optimization of steam generators of NPP with WWER in operation with variable load

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parchevskii, V. M.; Shchederkina, T. E.; Gur'yanova, V. V.

2017-11-01

The report addresses the issue of the optimal water level in the horizontal steam generators of NPP with WWER. On the one hand, the level needs to be kept at the lower limit of the allowable range, as gravity separation, steam will have the least humidity and the turbine will operate with higher efficiency. On the other hand, the higher the level, the greater the supply of water in the steam generator, and therefore the higher the security level of the unit, because when accidents involving loss of cooling of the reactor core, the water in the steam generators, can be used for cooling. To quantitatively compare the damage from higher level to the benefit of improving the safety was assessed of the cost of one cubic meter of water in the steam generators, the formulated objective function of optimal levels control. This was used two-dimensional separation characteristics of steam generators. It is demonstrated that the security significantly shifts the optimal values of the levels toward the higher values, and this bias is greater the lower the load unit.

Genetic differences in osteogenic differentiation potency in the thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum under cyclic mechanical stress.

PubMed

Ning, Shanglong; Chen, Zhongqiang; Fan, Dongwei; Sun, Chuiguo; Zhang, Chi; Zeng, Yan; Li, Weishi; Hou, Xiaofei; Qu, Xiaochen; Ma, Yunlong; Yu, Huilei

2017-01-01

Mechanical stress and genetic factors play important roles in the occurrence of thoracic ossification of ligament flavum (TOLF), which can occur at one, two, or multiple levels of the spine. It is unclear whether single- and multiple-level TOLF differ in terms of osteogenic differentiation potency and osteogenesis-related gene expression under cyclic mechanical stress. This was addressed in the present study using patients with non‑TOLF and single‑ and multiple‑level TOLF (n=8 per group). Primary ligament cells were cultured and osteogenesis was induced by application of cyclic mechanical stress. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by evaluating alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the mRNA and protein expression of osteogenesis‑related genes, including ALP, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), Runt‑related transcription factor‑2 (Runx‑2), osterix, osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin. The application of cyclic mechanical stress resulted in higher ALP activity in the multiple‑level than in the single‑level TOLF group, whereas no changes were observed in the non‑TOLF group. The ALP, BMP2, OPN and osterix mRNA levels were higher in the multiple‑level as compared to the single‑level TOLF group, and the levels of all osteogenesis-related genes, apart from Runx2, were higher in the multiple‑level as compared to the non‑TOLF group. The osterix and ALP protein levels were higher in the multiple‑level TOLF group than in the other 2 groups, and were increased with the longer duration of stress. These results highlight the differences in osteogenic differentiation potency between single‑ and multiple‑level TOLF that may be related to the different pathogenesis and genetic background.

Brief Report: Racial Comparison of D-Dimer Levels in US Male Military Personnel Before and After HIV Infection and Viral Suppression.

PubMed

OʼBryan, Thomas A; Agan, Brian K; Tracy, Russell P; Freiberg, Matthew S; Okulicz, Jason F; So-Armah, Kaku; Ganesan, Anuradha; Rimland, David; Lalani, Tahaniyat; Deiss, Robert G; Tramont, Edmund C

2018-04-15

D-dimer blood levels in persons with HIV infection are associated with risk of serious non-AIDS conditions and death. Black race has been correlated with higher D-dimer levels in several studies. We examined the effects of race and HIV on D-dimer over time and the impact of viral load suppression by longitudinally comparing changes in levels among healthy young adult male African Americans and whites before HIV seroconversion and before and after initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We analyzed D-dimer levels and clinical and laboratory data of 192 participants enrolled in the US Military HIV Natural History Study, a 30-year cohort of military personnel infected with HIV. D-dimer levels were measured on stored sera from each participant at 3 time points: (1) before HIV seroconversion (Pre-SC), (2) ≥6 months after HIV seroconversion but before ART initiation (Post-SC), and (3) ≥6 months after ART with documented viral suppression (Post-ART). Levels were compared at each time point using nonparametric and logistic regression analysis. Compared with whites (n = 106), African Americans (n = 86) had higher D-dimer levels post-SC (P = 0.007), but in the same individuals, pre-SC baseline and post-ART levels were similar (P = 0.40 and P = 0.99, respectively). There were no racial differences in CD4 cell counts, HIV RNA viral load, time from estimated seroconversion to ART initiation, and duration on ART. Observed longitudinally, racial differences in D-dimer levels were seen only during HIV viremia. Higher levels of D-dimer commonly observed in African Americans are likely due to factors in addition to race.

Osteopontin (OPN) as a CSF and blood biomarker for multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Agah, Elmira; Zardoui, Arshia; Saghazadeh, Amene; Ahmadi, Mona; Tafakhori, Abbas; Rezaei, Nima

2018-01-01

Identifying a reliable biomarker may accelerate diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and lead to early management of the disease. Accumulating evidence suggest that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral blood concentration of osteopontin (OPN) may have diagnostic and prognostic value in MS. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that measured peripheral blood and CSF levels of OPN in MS patients and controls to evaluate the diagnostic potential of this biomarker better. We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases to find articles that measured OPN concentration in peripheral blood and CSF samples from MS patients up to October 19, 2016. Q statistic tests and the I2 index were applied for heterogeneity assessment. If the I2 index was less than 40%, the fixed-effects model was used for meta-analysis. Random-effects meta-analysis was chosen if the I2 value was greater than 40%. After removal of duplicates, 918 articles were identified, and 27 of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria. We included 22 eligible studies in the final meta-analysis. MS patients, in general, had considerably higher levels of OPN in their CSF and blood when compared to all types of controls (p<0.05). When the comparisons were made between different subtypes of MS patients and controls, the results pointed to significantly higher levels of OPN in CSF of MS subgroups (p<0.05). All subtypes of MS patients, except CIS patients, had increased blood levels of OPN compared to controls (p<0.05). In the second set of meta-analyses, we compared the peripheral blood and CSF concentrations of OPN between MS patient subtypes. CIS patients had significantly lower levels of OPN both in their peripheral blood and CSF compared to patients with progressive subtypes of MS (p<0.05). CSF concentration of OPN was significantly higher among RRMS patients compared to the CIS patients and SPMS patients (P<0.05). Finally, patients with active MS had significantly higher OPN levels in their CSF compared to patients with stable disease (P = 0.007). The result of this study confirms that increased levels of OPN exist in CSF and peripheral blood of MS patients and strengthens the evidence regarding the clinical utility of OPN as a promising and validated biomarker for MS.

A comparative study on undergraduate students' academic motivation and academic self-concept.

PubMed

Isiksal, Mine

2010-11-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate Turkish and American undergraduate students' academic motivation and academic self-concept scores regarding the years that they spent in university. The analysis was based on 566 (284 Turkish, 282 American) undergraduate students where, Academic Motivation Scale and Academic Self-Concept Scale were used as measuring instruments. The results showed that there was a statistical significant effect of nationality and number of years spent in university on undergraduate students' intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and self-concept scores. Turkish students had higher intrinsic scores whereas American students had higher extrinsic scores and more positive academic-self concept compared to Turkish partners. Regarding grade level, senior students from both cultures had higher intrinsic motivation and academic self-concept scores compared to other grade levels. In terms of extrinsic motivation, there is steady decline in American students' scores as grade level increases. On the other hand, Turkish undergraduates' extrinsic scores decrease in the second year but increase in the third and fourth year of university education. Results were discussed by taking into consideration the social and cultural differences between two nations.

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macfad) phytochemicals composition is modulated by household processing techniques.

PubMed

Uckoo, Ram M; Jayaprakasha, Guddadarangavvanahally K; Balasubramaniam, V M; Patil, Bhimanagouda S

2012-09-01

Grapefruits (Citrus paradisi Macfad) contain several phytochemicals known to have health maintaining properties. Due to the consumer's interest in obtaining high levels of these phytochemicals, it is important to understand the changes in their levels by common household processing techniques. Therefore, mature Texas "Rio Red" grapefruits were processed by some of the common household processing practices such as blending, juicing, and hand squeezing techniques and analyzed for their phytochemical content by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results suggest that grapefruit juice processed by blending had significantly (P < 0.05) higher levels of flavonoids (narirutin, naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, didymin, and poncirin) and limonin compared to juicing and hand squeezing. No significant variation in their content was noticed in the juice processed by juicing and hand squeezing. Ascorbic acid and citric acid were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in juice processed by juicing and blending, respectively. Furthermore, hand squeezed fruit juice had significantly higher contents of dihydroxybergamottin (DHB) than juice processed by juicing and blending. Bergamottin and 5-methoxy-7 gernoxycoumarin (5-M-7-GC) were significantly higher in blended juice compared to juicing and hand squeezing. Therefore, consuming grapefruit juice processed by blending may provide higher levels of health beneficial phytochemicals such as naringin, narirutin, and poncirin. In contrast, juice processed by hand squeezing and juicing provides lower levels of limonin, bergamottin, and 5-M-7-GC. These results suggest that, processing techniques significantly influence the levels of phytochemicals and blending is a better technique for obtaining higher levels of health beneficial phytochemicals from grapefruits. Practical Application:  Blending, squeezing, and juicing are common household processing techniques used for obtaining fresh grapefruit juice. Understanding the levels of health beneficial phytochemicals present in the juice processed by these techniques would enable the consumers to make a better choice to obtain high level of these compounds. © 2012 Institute of Food Technologists®

How doctors communicate the initial diagnosis of cancer matters: cancer disclosure and its relationship with Patients' hope and trust.

PubMed

Cao, Weidan; Qi, Xiaona; Yao, Ting; Han, Xuanye; Feng, Xujing

2017-05-01

The study is to examine the relationships between perceived initial cancer disclosure communication with doctors, levels of hope, and levels of trust in doctors among cancer patients in China. A total number of 192 cancer inpatients in a cancer hospital in China were surveyed. Perceived disclosure strategies, levels of hope, levels of trust in their doctors, as well as the demographic information were obtained from the participants. In addition to age, patients who had higher levels of perceived emotional support from doctors, or higher levels of perceived personalized disclosure from doctors, or higher levels of perceived discussion of multiple treatment plans with doctors were more likely to have higher levels of trust in doctors. In addition to perceived health status, perceived emotional support from doctors significantly predicted participants' levels of hope. That is, patients who had higher higher levels of perceived doctors' emotional support were more likely to have higher levels of hope. Key disclosure person was a marginally significant variable, that is, patients who were mainly disclosed by family members might have higher levels of hope compared with patients who were mainly disclosed by doctors. When communicating with a cancer patient, doctors might not ignore the importance of emotional support during cancer diagnosis communication. Doctors might want to involve family and collaborate with family to find out ways of personalized disclosure. During the communication process, doctors could provide their patients with multiple treatment options and discuss the benefits and side effects of each treatment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Inflammatory response in mixed viral-bacterial community-acquired pneumonia.

PubMed

Bello, Salvador; Mincholé, Elisa; Fandos, Sergio; Lasierra, Ana B; Ruiz, María A; Simon, Ana L; Panadero, Carolina; Lapresta, Carlos; Menendez, Rosario; Torres, Antoni

2014-07-29

The role of mixed pneumonia (virus+bacteria) in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has been described in recent years. However, it is not known whether the systemic inflammatory profile is different compared to monomicrobial CAP. We wanted to investigate this profile of mixed viral-bacterial infection and to compare it to monomicrobial bacterial or viral CAP. We measured baseline serum procalcitonin (PCT), C reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) count in 171 patients with CAP with definite etiology admitted to a tertiary hospital: 59 (34.5%) bacterial, 66 (39.%) viral and 46 (27%) mixed (viral-bacterial). Serum PCT levels were higher in mixed and bacterial CAP compared to viral CAP. CRP levels were higher in mixed CAP compared to the other groups. CRP was independently associated with mixed CAP. CRP levels below 26 mg/dL were indicative of an etiology other than mixed in 83% of cases, but the positive predictive value was 45%. PCT levels over 2.10 ng/mL had a positive predictive value for bacterial-involved CAP versus viral CAP of 78%, but the negative predictive value was 48%. Mixed CAP has a different inflammatory pattern compared to bacterial or viral CAP. High CRP levels may be useful for clinicians to suspect mixed CAP.

Selenium-enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae improves growth, antioxidant status and selenoprotein gene expression in Arbor Acres broilers.

PubMed

Chen, F; Zhu, L; Qiu, H; Qin, S

2017-04-01

One hundred and fifty 7-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned into five groups: group 1 served as a control that was fed a basal diet without selenium (Se) supplementation; groups 2, 3 and 4 were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.15, 0.5 and 1.5 mg Se as Se-enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SSC) per kg of diet; and group 5 was fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.15 mg per kg of Se as sodium selenite (SS). Growth performance, glutathione peroxidase (GP X ) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in plasma and liver, and cellular glutathione peroxidase (GP X -1) and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (GP X -4) mRNA levels in liver were determined. Compared with group 1, groups 2-4 exhibited higher body weights (p < 0.05), lower feed/gain ratios, and higher GP X activities in plasma (p < 0.05) and GP X and SOD activities and GP X -1 and GP X -4 mRNA levels in liver (p < 0.05). Compared with group 5, group 2 exhibited higher GP X activity in plasma on day 21 (p < 0.05). Compared with group 2 and 5, group 3 exhibited lower MDA content in plasma on day 7 (p < 0.05), higher GP X activity in plasma, SOD activity and GP X -1 mRNA levels in liver on day 14 and 21 (p < 0.05), and higher GP X -4 mRNA levels on day 14 (p < 0.05). Compared with group 4, group 3 exhibited lower MDA contents in plasma on day 14 (p < 0.05) and in liver on day 21 (p < 0.05), higher T-AOC in plasma and higher GP X -1 mRNA levels on day 14 and 21 (p < 0.05), and higher SOD activity in plasma and higher SOD and GP X activities in liver on day 21 (p < 0.05). Thus, SSC improves growth and antioxidant status of broilers; the short-term bioavailability of SS was faster than that of SSC, but the long-term bioavailability of SSC was greater than SS. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

The Association between the Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Isolated Metabolic Syndrome Patients: A Multimarker Approach

PubMed Central

Demir, Bulent; Demir, Esra; Acıksarı, Gonul; Uygun, Turgut; Utku, Irem Kırac; Gedikbasi, Asuman; Caglar, Ilker Murat; Pirhan, Osman; Tureli, Hande Oktay; Oflar, Ersan; Ungan, İsmail; Ciftci, Serkan; Karakaya, Osman

2014-01-01

The risk for cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus significantly increases in the patient population with metabolic syndrome (MeS). The present study aimed to investigate the association between the epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT) and the oxidative stress parameters in MeS patients. The study included 181 patients as a patient group of 92 consecutive patients with MeS and a control group of 89 consecutive patients with similar age and gender. EATT was evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography. Serum levels of total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidative capacity (TAS), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), and arylesterase activities were measured. EATT was higher in the MeS group compared to the control group (6.0 ± 2.0 mm and 4.0 ± 1.0 mm, resp.; P < 0.001). The level of TOS was higher in the MeS group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Additionally, the TAS level was higher in the MeS group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the serum levels of PON-1 and arylesterase were lower in the MeS group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). EAT may cause an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases by leading to increased oxidative stress in patients with MeS. PMID:25530760

Thiol/disulphide homeostasis in celiac disease

PubMed Central

Kaplan, Mustafa; Ates, Ihsan; Yuksel, Mahmut; Ozderin Ozin, Yasemin; Alisik, Murat; Erel, Ozcan; Kayacetin, Ertugrul

2017-01-01

AIM To determine dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis in celiac disease and to examine the associate with celiac autoantibodies and gluten-free diet. METHODS Seventy three patients with celiac disease and 73 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. In both groups, thiol/disulphide homeostasis was examined with a new colorimetric method recently developed by Erel and Neselioglu. RESULTS In patients with celiac disease, native thiol (P = 0.027) and total thiol (P = 0.031) levels were lower, while disulphide (P < 0.001) level, disulphide/native thiol (P < 0.001) and disulphide/total thiol (P < 0.001) ratios were higher compared to the control group. In patients who do not comply with a gluten-free diet, disulphide/native thiol ratio was found higher compared to the patients who comply with the diet (P < 0.001). In patients with any autoantibody-positive, disulphide/native thiol ratio was observed higher compared to the patients with autoantibody-negative (P < 0.05). It is found that there is a negative correlation between celiac autoantibodies, and native thiol, total thiol levels and native thiol/total thiol ratio, while a positive correlation is observed between disulphide, disulphide/native thiol and disulphide/total thiol levels. CONCLUSION This study is first in the literature which found that the patients with celiac disease the dynamic thiol/disulphide balance shifts through disulphide form compared to the control group. PMID:28533921

Education Pays 2016: The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society. Trends in Higher Education Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ma, Jennifer; Pender, Matea; Welch, Meredith

2016-01-01

This report documents differences in the earnings and employment patterns of U.S. adults with different levels of education. It also compares health-related behaviors, reliance on public assistance programs, civic participation, and indicators of the well-being of the next generation. In addition to reporting median earnings by education level,…

Mathematics Teachers' Level of Knowledge and Practice on the Implementation of Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abdullah, Abdul Halim; Mokhtar, Mahani; Halim, Noor Dayana Abd; Ali, Dayana Farzeeha; Tahir, Lokman Mohd; Kohar, Umar Haiyat Abdul

2017-01-01

This study aims to identify the level of knowledge and practice on the implementation of higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) among mathematics teachers at a secondary school in the district of Terengganu. The study focused on the aspects of curriculum, pedagogy and assessment and compared them with demographic factors of the respondents. It used…

Mood stability versus mood instability in bipolar disorder: A possible role for emotional mental imagery

PubMed Central

Holmes, Emily A.; Deeprose, Catherine; Fairburn, Christopher G.; Wallace-Hadrill, Sophie M.A.; Bonsall, Michael B.; Geddes, John R.; Goodwin, Guy M.

2011-01-01

A cognitive model of bipolar disorder suggests that mental imagery acts as an emotional amplifier of mood and may be heightened in bipolar disorder. First, we tested whether patients with bipolar disorder would score higher on mental imagery measures than a matched healthy control group. Second, we examined differences in imagery between patients divided into groups according to their level of mood stability. Mood ratings over approximately 6-months, made using a mobile phone messaging system, were used to divide patients into stable or unstable groups. Clinician decisions of mood stability were corroborated with statistical analysis. Results showed (I) compared to healthy controls, patients with bipolar disorder had significantly higher scores for general mental imagery use, more vivid imagery of future events, higher levels of intrusive prospective imagery, and more extreme imagery-based interpretation bias; (II) compared to patients with stable mood, patients with unstable mood had higher levels of intrusive prospective imagery, and this correlated highly with their current levels of anxiety and depression. The findings were consistent with predictions. Further investigation of imagery in bipolar disorder appears warranted as it may highlight processes that contribute to mood instability with relevance for cognitive behaviour therapy. PMID:21798515

Pregnancy hormone concentrations across ethnic groups: implications for later cancer risk.

PubMed

Potischman, Nancy; Troisi, Rebecca; Thadhani, Ravi; Hoover, Robert N; Dodd, Kevin; Davis, William W; Sluss, Patrick M; Hsieh, Chung-Cheng; Ballard-Barbash, Rachel

2005-06-01

A variety of in utero factors have been associated with risk of adult cancers, particularly birth weight, toxemia, and gestational age. These factors are thought to reflect hormonal exposures during pregnancy. We hypothesized that the prenatal hormonal milieu may explain part of the variation in cancer rates across ethnic groups, for example, the higher incidence of breast cancer in the Caucasian compared with Hispanic women and the higher incidence of prostate and lower incidence of testicular cancers among African-Americans compared with Caucasians. We measured hormones in early pregnancy blood samples from three ethnic groups in a health care plan in Boston, MA. Mean levels of androstenedione, testosterone, estrone, and prolactin were significantly lower in Caucasian women compared with Hispanic women. Although not statistically significant, estradiol levels were lower in Caucasian compared with Hispanic or African-American women. Concentrations of androstenedione, testosterone, and progesterone were notably higher in African-American compared with Caucasian or Hispanic women. These data are consistent with hypotheses that in utero hormonal exposures may explain some of the ethnic group differences in cancer risk.

Glycosaminoglycan levels in dried blood spots of patients with mucopolysaccharidoses and mucolipidoses

PubMed Central

Kubaski, Francyne; Suzuki, Yasuyuki; Orii, Kenji; Giugliani, Roberto; Church, Heather J.; Mason, Robert W.; Dũng, Vũ Chí; Ngoc, Can Thi Bich; Yamaguchi, Seiji; Kobayashi, Hironori; Girisha, Katta M.; Fukao, Toshiyuki; Orii, Tadao; Tomatsu, Shunji

2017-01-01

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) and mucolipidoses (ML) are groups of lysosomal storage disorders in which lysosomal hydrolases are deficient leading to accumulation of undegraded glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), throughout the body, subsequently resulting in progressive damage to multiple tissues and organs. Assays using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) have been established to measure GAGs in serum or plasma from MPS and ML patients, but few studies were performed to determine whether these assays are sufficiently robust to measure GAG levels in dried blood spots (DBS) of patients with MPS and ML. Material and methods In this study, we evaluated GAG levels in DBS samples from 124 MPS and ML patients (MPS I = 16; MPS II = 21; MPS III = 40; MPS IV = 32; MPS VI =10; MPS VII = 1; ML= 4), and compared them with 115 age-matched controls. Disaccharides were produced from polymer GAGs by digestion with chondroitinase B, heparitinase, and keratanase II. Subsequently, dermatan sulfate (DS), heparan sulfate (HS-0S, HS-NS), and keratan sulfate (mono-sulfated KS, di-sulfated KS, and ratio of di-sulfated KS in total KS) were measured by MS/MS. Results Untreated patients with MPS I, II, VI, and ML had higher levels of DS compared to control samples. Untreated patients with MPS I, II, III, VI, and ML had higher levels of HS-0S; and untreated patients with MPS II, III and VI and ML had higher levels of HS-NS. Levels of KS were age dependent, so although levels of both mono-sulfated KS and di-sulfated KS were generally higher in patients, particularly for MPS II and MPS IV, age group numbers were not sufficient to determine significance of such changes. However, the ratio of di-sulfated KS in total KS was significantly higher in all MPS patients younger than 5 years old, compared to age-matched controls. MPS I and VI patients treated with HSCT had normal levels of DS, and MPS I, VI, and VII treated with ERT or HSCT had normal levels of HS-0S and HS-NS, indicating that both treatments are effective in decreasing blood GAG levels. Conclusion Measurement of GAG levels in DBS is useful for diagnosis and potentially for monitoring the therapeutic efficacy in MPS. PMID:28065440

Characterization of Circulating and Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Patients With Extreme-Duration Type 1 Diabetes

PubMed Central

Hernandez, Sonia L.; Gong, Jennifer H.; Chen, Liming; Wu, I-Hsien; Sun, Jennifer K.; Keenan, Hillary A.; King, George L.

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVE We characterized and correlated endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) with lack of vascular complications in the Joslin Medalist Study in patients with type 1 diabetes for 50 years or longer. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS EPC and CPC levels were ascertained by flow cytometry and compared among Medalists (n = 172) with or without diabetic retinopathy (DR; n = 84 of 162), neuropathy (n = 94 of 165), diabetic nephropathy (DN; n = 18 of 172), cardiovascular disease (CVD; n = 63 of 168), age-matched controls (n = 83), type 2 diabetic patients (n = 36), and younger type 1 diabetic patients (n = 31). Mitogens, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative markers were measured in blood or urine. Migration of cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from Medalists and age-matched controls were compared. RESULTS Medalists’ EPC and CPC levels equaled those of their nondiabetic age-matched controls, were 10% higher than those in younger type 1 diabetic patients, and were 20% higher than those in age-matched type 2 diabetic patients. CPC levels were 15% higher in Medalists without CVD and nephropathy than in those affected, whereas EPC levels were significantly higher in those without peripheral vascular disease (PVD) than those with PVD. Stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) levels were higher in Medalists with CVD, DN, and DR than in those not affected and their controls. IGF-I levels were lower in Medalists and correlated inversely with CPC levels. Additionally, cultured PBMCs from Medalists migrated more than those from nondiabetic controls. CONCLUSIONS Normal levels of EPC and CPC in the Medalists, unlike other groups with diabetes, especially those without CVD, support the idea that endogenous factors exist to neutralize the adverse effects of metabolic abnormalities of diabetes on vascular tissues. PMID:24780357

Rotating night shifts too quickly may cause anxiety and decreased attentional performance, and impact prolactin levels during the subsequent day: a case control study.

PubMed

Chang, Yu-San; Chen, Hsiang-Lan; Wu, Yu-Hsuan; Hsu, Chung-Yao; Liu, Ching-Kuan; Hsu, Chin

2014-08-05

We investigated circadian changes and effects on mood, sleep-related hormones and cognitive performance when nurses worked consecutive night shifts in a rapidly rotating shift system. Daytime cognitive function, sleep propensity and sleep-related hormones (growth hormone, cortisol, prolactin, thyrotropin) were compared after participants worked two and four consecutive night shifts. Twenty-three off-duty nurses, 20 nurses working two consecutive night shifts and 16 nurses working four consecutive night shifts were enrolled. All participants completed the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Stanford Sleepiness Scale, visual attention tasks (VAT), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and modified Multiple Sleep Latency Test. Hormone levels were also measured four times throughout the day, at 2-h intervals. During the day, the participants in the night shift groups were less able to maintain wakefulness, had poor performance on VAT, and higher thyrotropin levels than did those in the off-duty group. Participants who worked two night shifts were better able to maintain wakefulness, had higher anxiety scale scores, poorer initial performance and lack of learning effect on VAT, and higher prolactin levels compared with those who worked four night shifts. There were no differences in cortisol levels between the two- and four- shift groups. Rotating night shifts too quickly may cause anxiety and decreased attentional performance, and may impact daytime prolactin levels after night shifts. It is possible that the two-shift group had a higher cortisol level than did the four-shift group, which would be consistent with the group's higher state anxiety scores. The negative findings may be due to the small sample size. Further studies on the effects of consecutive night shifts on mood and cortisol levels during the daytime after sleep restriction would be valuable.

Lipid levels among African and Middle-Eastern Bedouin populations.

PubMed

Dreiher, Jacob; Cohen, Arnon D; Weitzman, Shimon; Sharf, Amir; Shvartzman, Pesach

2008-06-01

Previous studies observed higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and lower triglycerides levels among people of African ancestry. The goal of this study was to characterize lipid levels in Bedouins of African vs. Middle-Eastern ethnicity. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Bedouin primary care clinic in southern Israel, with 4470 listed individuals over the age of 21, of whom 402 (9%) were of African origin. A stratified random sample was included in the analysis. Associations between ethnicity, age, gender and lipid levels were assessed. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression models were used for multivariate analysis. The study included 261 African Bedouins and 406 Middle-Eastern Bedouins. (median age: 37 years, 58.6% females). The average total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were 10 mg/dl lower among African Bedouins as compared to Middle-Eastern Bedouins (total cholesterol: 168.6 vs. 179.6 mg/dl, p<0.001; LDL: 99.5 vs. 109.0 mg/dl, respectively, p<0.001). Average triglycerides levels were 36 mg/dl lower among African Bedouins as compared to Middle-Eastern Bedouins (102.8 vs. 138.9 mg/dl, respectively, p<0.001). Average HDL levels were 3 mg/dl higher among African Bedouins as compared to Middle-Eastern Bedouins (48.3 vs. 44.6 mg/dl, respectively, p<0.001). A lower prevalence of dyslipidemia was found in African Bedouins, as compared with Middle-Eastern Bedouins.

Can venous ProBNP levels predict placenta accreta?

PubMed

Ersoy, Ali Ozgur; Oztas, Efser; Ozler, Sibel; Ersoy, Ebru; Erkenekli, Kudret; Uygur, Dilek; Caglar, Ali Turhan; Danisman, Nuri

2016-12-01

Placenta previa (PP) is a potential life-threatening pregnancy complication. Pro-brain natriuretic peptide (ProBNP), creatine kinase (CK), cardiac form of CK (CK-MB) and Troponin I are circulatory biomarkers related to cardiac functions. We aimed to determine whether these biomarkers are related to PP and placenta accreta. In this case-control study, fifty-four pregnant women who attended our tertiary care center for perinatology with the diagnosis of PP totalis, and of them, 14 patients with placenta accreta were recruited as the study groups. Forty-six uncomplicated control patients who were matched for age, BMI were also included. Maternal venous ProBNP, CK, CK-MB and Troponin I levels were compared between the three groups. Obstetric history characteristics were comparable among groups, generally. CK and CK-MB levels were similar among three groups. Troponin I levels in the previa and accreta groups were significantly higher than the controls. ProBNP levels in the accreta group were significantly higher than other two groups. The multivariate regression model revealed that ProBNP could predict placental adhesion anomalies. Troponin I and ProBNP levels in PP cases were higher than controls and ProBNP could predict placenta accreta.

Glucose dysregulation in Parkinson's disease: Too much glucose or not enough insulin?

PubMed

Marques, Ana; Dutheil, Frédéric; Durand, Elodie; Rieu, Isabelle; Mulliez, Aurélien; Fantini, Maria Livia; Boirie, Yves; Durif, Franck

2018-05-31

To detect changes in glucose regulation in moderate to advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) patients in response to oral glucose intake. Blood glucose and insulin kinetics during a 75-g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) were compared between 50 PD patients and 50 healthy controls (CT) matched for body mass index (BMI), age and sex. Potential relationships between changes in glucose kinetics and clinical parameters were analyzed including Parkinson's disease severity and autonomic function using SCOPA-AUT (Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's disease, Autonomic dysfunction). Blood glucose was significantly higher at T90 (p = 0.04) and T150 (p = 0.01) in PD patients compared to healthy matched controls. Moreover, the total area under time curve (AUC) for the blood glucose levels was significantly higher in PD patients compared to healthy controls (1187 ± 229 vs 1101 ± 201 mmol min.l -1 ; p = 0.05). Simultaneously, no significant increase of insulin levels was observed in PD patients compared to controls. Higher blood glucose levels were associated with higher BMI (p < 0.001), female gender (p < 0.033), longer duration of PD (p = 0.001), lower dose of dopaminergic treatment (p = 0.023), and higher score of dysautonomia (p = 0.017). Glucose control is impaired in moderate to advanced non-diabetic PD patients, due to impaired adaptive insulin response which may be a novel non-motor consequence of PD associated dysautonomia. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Non-HDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides: Implications for Coronary Atheroma Progression and Clinical Events.

PubMed

Puri, Rishi; Nissen, Steven E; Shao, Mingyuan; Elshazly, Mohamed B; Kataoka, Yu; Kapadia, Samir R; Tuzcu, E Murat; Nicholls, Stephen J

2016-11-01

Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDLC) levels reflect the full burden of cholesterol transported in atherogenic lipoproteins. Genetic studies suggest a causal association between elevated triglycerides (TGs)-rich lipoproteins and atherosclerosis. We evaluated associations between achieved non-HDLC and TG levels on changes in coronary atheroma volume. Data were analyzed from 9 clinical trials involving 4957 patients with coronary disease undergoing serial intravascular ultrasonography to assess changes in percent atheroma volume (ΔPAV) and were evaluated against on-treatment non-HDLC and TG levels. The effects of lower (<100 mg/dL) versus higher (≥100 mg/dL) achieved non-HDLC levels and lower (<200 mg/dL) versus higher (≥200 mg/dL) achieved TG levels were evaluated in populations with variable on-treatment low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) 0) was associated with achieved TG levels >200 mg/dL, respectively. Lower on-treatment non-HDLC and TG levels associated with significant PAV regression compared with higher non-HDLC and TG levels across all levels of LDLC and C-reactive protein and irrespective of diabetic status (P<0.001 across all comparisons). ΔPAV were more strongly influenced by changes in non-HDLC (β=0.62; P<0.001) compared with changes in LDLC (β=0.51; P<0.001). Kaplan-Meier sensitivity analyses demonstrated significantly greater major adverse cardiovascular event rates in those with higher versus lower non-HDLC and TG levels, with an earlier separation of the non-HDLC compared with the LDLC curve. Achieved non-HDLC levels seem more closely associated with coronary atheroma progression than LDLC. Plaque progression associates with achieved TGs, but only above levels of 200 mg/dL. These observations support a more prominent role for non-HDLC (and possibly TG) lowering in combating residual cardiovascular risk. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

[Breast feeding and systemic blood pressure in infants].

PubMed

Hernández-González, Martha A; Díaz-De-León, Luz V; Guízar-Mendoza, Juan M; Amador-Licona, Norma; Cipriano-González, Marisol; Díaz-Pérez, Raúl; Murillo-Ortiz, Blanca O; De-la-Roca-Chiapas, José María; Solorio-Meza, Sergio Eduardo

2012-01-01

Blood pressure levels in childhood influence these levels in adulthood, and breastfeeding has been considered such as a cardioprotective. We evaluated the association between blood pressure levels and feeding type in a group of infants. We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study in term infants with appropriate weight at birth, to compare blood pressure levels in those children with exclusively breastfeeding, mixed-feeding and formula feeding. The comparison of groups was performed using ANOVA and multiple regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with mean arterial blood pressure levels. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. We included 20 men and 24 women per group. Infant Formula Feeding had higher current weight and weight gain compared with the other two groups (p < 0.05). Systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure levels, as well as respiratory and heart rate were higher in the groups of exclusively formula feeding and mixed-feeding than in those with exclusively breastfeeding (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis identified that variables associated with mean blood pressure levels were current body mass index, weight gain and formula feeding. Infants in breastfeeding show lower blood pressure, BMI and weight gain.

Inflammation in Schizophrenia: Cytokine Levels and Their Relationships to Demographic and Clinical Variables.

PubMed

Lee, Ellen E; Hong, Suzi; Martin, Averria Sirkin; Eyler, Lisa T; Jeste, Dilip V

2017-01-01

Inflammation may play a role in the accelerated physical aging reported in schizophrenia, though biomarker findings and associations with demographic and clinical factors are inconsistent. In a cross-sectional, case-control design, 95 outpatients with schizophrenia (mean age ± SD: 48.1 ± 10.2 years) and 95 demographically comparable healthy comparison subjects (HCs) (mean age ± SD: 48.1 ± 12.1 years) were studied. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were assayed. The authors compared cytokine levels, examined demographic and clinical associations, and adjusted for relevant variables with linear models. Individuals with schizophrenia had higher levels of TNF-α and IL-6 but not IFN-γ than HCs. Age was not related to cytokine levels, and age relationships did not differ between diagnostic groups. Women had higher levels of IL-6. TNF-α and IL-6 levels were significantly correlated with depressive symptoms, and adjustment for depression reduced the group effect for both. Within the HCs, TNF-α levels were associated with physical comorbidity and body mass index. IL-6 levels were significantly correlated with body mass index and within schizophrenia patients, with worse mental and physical well-being. Accounting for physical morbidity and mental well-being reduced group differences in TNF-α and IL-6 levels, respectively. Worse positive symptoms were associated with higher IL-6 levels. Higher TNF-α and IL-6 levels in schizophrenia patients were associated with depression, physical comorbidity, and mental well-being. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to assess inflammation as a potential treatment target for a subgroup of schizophrenia. Copyright © 2017 American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Serum cystatin C- versus creatinine-based definitions of acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Spahillari, Aferdita; Parikh, Chirag R; Sint, Kyaw; Koyner, Jay L; Patel, Uptal D; Edelstein, Charles L; Passik, Cary S; Thiessen-Philbrook, Heather; Swaminathan, Madhav; Shlipak, Michael G

2012-12-01

The primary aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity and rapidity of acute kidney injury (AKI) detection by cystatin C level relative to creatinine level after cardiac surgery. Prospective cohort study. 1,150 high-risk adult cardiac surgery patients in the TRIBE-AKI (Translational Research Investigating Biomarker Endpoints for Acute Kidney Injury) Consortium. Changes in serum creatinine and cystatin C levels. Postsurgical incidence of AKI. Serum creatinine and cystatin C were measured at the preoperative visit and daily on postoperative days 1-5. To allow comparisons between changes in creatinine and cystatin C levels, AKI end points were defined by the relative increases in each marker from baseline (25%, 50%, and 100%) and the incidence of AKI was compared based on each marker. Secondary aims were to compare clinical outcomes among patients defined as having AKI by cystatin C and/or creatinine levels. Overall, serum creatinine level detected more cases of AKI than cystatin C level: 35% developed a ≥25% increase in serum creatinine level, whereas only 23% had a ≥25% increase in cystatin C level (P < 0.001). Creatinine level also had higher proportions meeting the 50% (14% and 8%; P < 0.001) and 100% (4% and 2%; P = 0.005) thresholds for AKI diagnosis. Clinical outcomes generally were not statistically different for AKI cases detected by creatinine or cystatin C level. However, for each AKI threshold, patients with AKI confirmed by both markers had a significantly higher risk of the combined mortality/dialysis outcome compared with patients with AKI detected by creatinine level alone (P = 0.002). There were few adverse clinical outcomes, limiting our ability to detect differences in outcomes between subgroups of patients based on their definitions of AKI. In this large multicenter study, we found that cystatin C level was less sensitive for AKI detection than creatinine level. However, confirmation by cystatin C level appeared to identify a subset of patients with AKI with a substantially higher risk of adverse outcomes. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Genetic Variations in the Human Cannabinoid Receptor Gene Are Associated with Happiness

PubMed Central

Matsunaga, Masahiro; Isowa, Tokiko; Yamakawa, Kaori; Fukuyama, Seisuke; Shinoda, Jun; Yamada, Jitsuhiro; Ohira, Hideki

2014-01-01

Happiness has been viewed as a temporary emotional state (e.g., pleasure) and a relatively stable state of being happy (subjective happiness level). As previous studies demonstrated that individuals with high subjective happiness level rated their current affective states more positively when they experience positive events, these two aspects of happiness are interrelated. According to a recent neuroimaging study, the cytosine to thymine single-nucleotide polymorphism of the human cannabinoid receptor 1 gene is associated with sensitivity to positive emotional stimuli. Thus, we hypothesized that our genetic traits, such as the human cannabinoid receptor 1 genotypes, are closely related to the two aspects of happiness. In Experiment 1, 198 healthy volunteers were used to compare the subjective happiness level between cytosine allele carriers and thymine-thymine carriers of the human cannabinoid receptor 1 gene. In Experiment 2, we used positron emission tomography with 20 healthy participants to compare the brain responses to positive emotional stimuli of cytosine allele carriers to that of thymine-thymine carriers. Compared to thymine-thymine carriers, cytosine allele carriers have a higher subjective happiness level. Regression analysis indicated that the cytosine allele is significantly associated with subjective happiness level. The positive mood after watching a positive film was significantly higher for the cytosine allele carriers compared to the thymine-thymine carriers. Positive emotion-related brain region such as the medial prefrontal cortex was significantly activated when the cytosine allele carriers watched the positive film compared to the thymine-thymine carriers. Thus, the human cannabinoid receptor 1 genotypes are closely related to two aspects of happiness. Compared to thymine-thymine carriers, the cytosine allele carriers of the human cannabinoid receptor 1 gene, who are sensitive to positive emotional stimuli, exhibited greater magnitude positive emotions when they experienced positive events and had a higher subjective happiness level. PMID:24690898

Physical activity patterns and socioeconomic position: the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998 (GNHIES98)

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background We investigated the associations between education and leisure-time, occupational, sedentary and total physical-activity levels based on data from the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998 (GNHIES98). The roles of income level, occupational status and other mediating variables for these associations were also examined. Methods The total study sample of the GNHIES98 comprised 7,124 participants between the ages of 18 and 79. Complete information was available for 6,800 persons on leisure-time, sedentary and total physical-activity outcomes and for 3,809 persons in regular employment on occupational activity outcomes. The associations between educational level and physical activity (occupational, sedentary, leisure-time and total physical activity) were analysed separately for men and women using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios (OR) of educational level on physical-activity outcomes were calculated and adjusted for age, region, occupation, income and other mediating variables. Results After adjusting for age and region, a higher education level was associated with more leisure-time activity – with an OR of 1.6 (95% CI, 1.3-2.0) for men with secondary education and 2.1 (1.7-2.7) for men with tertiary education compared to men with primary education. The corresponding ORs for women were 1.3 (1.1-1.6) and 1.7 (1.2-2.4), respectively. Higher education was associated with a lower level of vigorous work activity: an OR of 6.9 (4.6-10.3) for men with secondary education and 18.6 (12.0-27.3) for men with primary education compared to men with tertiary education. The corresponding ORs for women were 2.8 (2.0-4.0) and 5.8 (4.0-8.5), respectively. Higher education was also associated with a lower level of total activity: an OR of 2.9 (2.2-3.8) for men with secondary education and 4.3 (3.3-5.6) for men with tertiary education compared to men with primary education. The corresponding ORs for women were 1.6 (1.2-2.0) and 1.6 (1.2-2.1), respectively. Conclusions In Germany adults with a lower level of education are more physically active, both at work and overall, compared to adults with a higher education level, although they are less physically active in their leisure time. Higher work-related activity levels among adults with lower education may explain why they are less active in their leisure time. PMID:23241280

Physical activity patterns and socioeconomic position: the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998 (GNHIES98).

PubMed

Finger, Jonas D; Tylleskär, Thorkild; Lampert, Thomas; Mensink, Gert B M

2012-12-15

We investigated the associations between education and leisure-time, occupational, sedentary and total physical-activity levels based on data from the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998 (GNHIES98). The roles of income level, occupational status and other mediating variables for these associations were also examined. The total study sample of the GNHIES98 comprised 7,124 participants between the ages of 18 and 79. Complete information was available for 6,800 persons on leisure-time, sedentary and total physical-activity outcomes and for 3,809 persons in regular employment on occupational activity outcomes. The associations between educational level and physical activity (occupational, sedentary, leisure-time and total physical activity) were analysed separately for men and women using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios (OR) of educational level on physical-activity outcomes were calculated and adjusted for age, region, occupation, income and other mediating variables. After adjusting for age and region, a higher education level was associated with more leisure-time activity - with an OR of 1.6 (95% CI, 1.3-2.0) for men with secondary education and 2.1 (1.7-2.7) for men with tertiary education compared to men with primary education. The corresponding ORs for women were 1.3 (1.1-1.6) and 1.7 (1.2-2.4), respectively. Higher education was associated with a lower level of vigorous work activity: an OR of 6.9 (4.6-10.3) for men with secondary education and 18.6 (12.0-27.3) for men with primary education compared to men with tertiary education. The corresponding ORs for women were 2.8 (2.0-4.0) and 5.8 (4.0-8.5), respectively. Higher education was also associated with a lower level of total activity: an OR of 2.9 (2.2-3.8) for men with secondary education and 4.3 (3.3-5.6) for men with tertiary education compared to men with primary education. The corresponding ORs for women were 1.6 (1.2-2.0) and 1.6 (1.2-2.1), respectively. In Germany adults with a lower level of education are more physically active, both at work and overall, compared to adults with a higher education level, although they are less physically active in their leisure time. Higher work-related activity levels among adults with lower education may explain why they are less active in their leisure time.

"Second Chance" Routes into Higher Education: Sweden, Norway and Germany Compared

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Orr, Dominic; Hovdhaugen, Elisabeth

2014-01-01

Widening access to higher education is clearly part of the European policy agenda. Higher education ministers in the Bologna countries, as well as the European Commission, have all expressed a wish to make higher education more representative of national populations. This policy objective has been echoed at national level. One approach to widening…

Migrant Selection and the Health of U.S. Immigrants From the Former Soviet Union

PubMed Central

Elo, Irma T.

2012-01-01

Few prior studies have investigated the health of U.S. immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU). Utilizing data from the 2000 U.S. census and the 2000–2007 National Health Interview Survey (NIHS), we compare levels of disability of FSU immigrants with U.S.-born whites (ages 50–84). Our findings suggest an “epidemiologic paradox” in that FSU immigrants possess higher levels of education compared with U.S.-born whites, but report considerably higher disability with and without adjustment for education. Nonetheless, FSU immigrants report lower levels of smoking and heavy alcohol use compared with U.S.-born whites. We further investigate disability by period of arrival among FSU immigrants. Changes in Soviet emigration policies conceivably altered the level of health selectivity among émigrés. We find evidence that FSU immigrants who emigrated during a period when a permission to emigrate was hard to obtain (1970–1986) displayed less disability compared with those who emigrated when these restrictions were less stringent (1987–2000). Finally, we compare disability among Russian-born U.S. immigrants with that of those residing in Russia as a direct test of health selectivity. We find that Russian immigrants report lower levels of disability compared with Russians in Russia, suggesting that they are positively selected for health despite their poor health relative to U.S.-born whites. PMID:22421810

Differential levels of metabolites and enzymes related to aroma formation in aromatic indica rice varieties: comparison with non-aromatic varieties.

PubMed

Ghosh, Puja; Roychoudhury, Aryadeep

2018-01-01

Accounting for aroma production in different aromatic indica rice varieties based on variations in the levels of concerned metabolites and enzymes is poorly explored. The present investigation was, therefore, focused on unraveling the differential levels of metabolites and activities of enzymes related to aroma formation in eleven indigenous aromatic rice varieties, as compared with four non-aromatic varieties. The levels of metabolites such as proline (Pro) and Δ 1 -pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C), and the activity of related enzymes such as proline dehydrogenase (PDH), Δ 1 -pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS), and ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) were comparatively higher in the aromatic varieties, with Kalonunia and Tulaipanji registering the highest Pro, Kalonunia the highest P5C content, Gobindobhog with the highest PDH activity, Gobindobhog and Tulaipanji with the highest P5CS, and Pusa Basmati-1 with the highest OAT activity. The levels of putrescine (Put) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were comparatively lower in aromatic varieties, with concomitant higher diamine oxidase (DAO) activity, especially in the varieties Gobindobhog and Tulaipanji. The betaine-aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (BADH2) enzyme activity was remarkably lesser in aromatic varieties, especially Radhunipagal and Gobindobhog. Though the metabolites such as glycine-betaine and higher polyamines such as spermidine and spermine showed no specific trend with respect to their quantitative level in either aromatic or non-aromatic varieties, they were notably lower in the aromatic varieties such as Gobindobhog, Kalonunia, and Tulaipanji, indicating a possibility of their involvement in aroma formation. Therefore, the levels of metabolites such as Pro, P5C and methylglyoxal (MG), and the activity of enzymes such as PDH, P5CS, OAT, and DAO were comparatively higher in the aromatic rice varieties than the non-aromatic ones, whereas the levels of Put, GABA, and BADH2 were lower. Overall, the present study showed that there exist variations in the accumulations of such metabolites as well as differential activity of enzymes controlling their production, which altogether regulate generation of aroma in aromatic varieties.

Gender differences in the lipid profile of dyslipidemic subjects.

PubMed

Kolovou, Genovefa D; Anagnostopoulou, Katherine K; Damaskos, Dimitris S; Bilianou, Helen I; Mihas, Constantinos; Milionis, Haralampos J; Kostakou, Peggy M; Cokkinos, Dennis V

2009-03-01

We evaluated the gender-associated differences in lipid profile of subjects intended to receive lipid-lowering therapy with emphasis on the associations between triglycerides (TG) and other plasma lipid variables. Lipid profiles of 1385 patients [aged 55+/-11 years, 549 women (40%)] were evaluated. Eligible subjects fulfilled one or more of the following criteria: total cholesterol (TC)>or=6.2 mmol/l, TG>or=1.7 mmol/l, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)<1.0 mmol/l. Patients were divided into subgroups according to TG and HDL-C levels. Women aged on average 3.5 years older, had higher TC and HDL-C, lower TG and a correspondingly lower TC/HDL-C ratio than men. High TG and low HDL-C in tandem appeared twice more frequently in men. Inverse correlations between HDL-C and TG levels were found to exist in the entire cohort (r=-0.354, p<0.001) and in all various subgroups. In the subgroup with TG<1.7 mmol/l, women had higher TC and HDL-C, lower TG levels and lower TC/HDL-C ratio compared with men. In the subgroup with TG>or=1.7 mmol/l, women had higher TC and HDL-C levels and lower TC/HDL ratio compared with men. In the subgroup with HDL-C>or=1.0 mmol/l women had higher HDL-C, lower TG levels and lower TC/HDL-C ratio compared with men. Elevated TG levels and low HDL-C in tandem are common lipid abnormalities in the clinical setting of primary and secondary preventions. Gender-associated differences in the lipid profile are evident in subjects presenting with dyslipidemia and might be of potential relevance for diagnostics and therapy for the prevention of atherosclerosis.

Oxidative status and lipid profile in metabolic syndrome: gender differences.

PubMed

Kaya, Aysem; Uzunhasan, Isil; Baskurt, Murat; Ozkan, Alev; Ataoglu, Esra; Okcun, Baris; Yigit, Zerrin

2010-02-01

Metabolic syndrome is associated with cardiovascular disease and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences of novel oxidative stress parameters and lipid profiles in men and women with metabolic syndrome. The study population included 88 patients with metabolic syndrome, consisting of 48 postmenauposal women (group I) and 40 men (group II). Premenauposal women were excluded. Plasma levels of total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidative status (TOS) were determined by using the Erel automated measurement method, and oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. To perform the calculation, the resulting unit of TAS, mmol Trolox equivalent/L, was converted to micromol equivalent/L and the OSI value was calculated as: OSI = [(TOS, micromol/L)/(TAS, mmol Trolox equivalent/L) x 100]. The Student t-test, Mann-Whitney-U test, and chi-squared test were used for statistical analysis; the Pearson correlation coefficient and Spearman rank test were used for correlation analysis. P < or = 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Both women and men had similar properties regarding demographic characteristics and biochemical work up. Group II had significantly lower levels of antioxidant levels of TAS and lower levels of TOS and OSI compared with group I (P = 0.0001, P = 0.0035, and P = 0,0001). Apolipoprotein A (ApoA) levels were significantly higher in group I compared with group II. Our findings indicate that women with metabolic syndrome have a better antioxidant status and higher ApoA levels compared with men. Our findings suggest the existence of a higher oxidative stress index in men with metabolic syndrome. Considering the higher risk of atherosclerosis associated with men, these novel oxidative stress parameters may be valuable in the evaluation of patients with metabolic sydrome.

Prognostic performance of Emergency Severity Index (ESI) combined with qSOFA score.

PubMed

Kwak, Hyeongkyu; Suh, Gil Joon; Kim, Taegyun; Kwon, Woon Yong; Kim, Kyung Su; Jung, Yoon Sun; Ko, Jung-In; Shin, So Mi

2018-01-31

We conducted this study to investigate whether ESI combined with qSOFA score (ESI+qSOFA) predicts hospital outcome better than ESI alone in the emergency department (ED). This was a retrospective study for patients aged over 15years who visited an ED of a tertiary referral hospital from January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2015. We calculated and compared predictive performances of ESI alone and ESI+qSOFA for prespecified outcomes. The primary outcome was hospital mortality, and the secondary outcome was composite outcome of in-hospital mortality and ICU admission. We calculated in-hospital mortality rates by positive qSOFA in each subgroup divided according to ESI levels (1, 2, 3, 4+5). 43,748 patients were enrolled. The area under receiver-operating characteristics curves were higher in ESI+qSOFA than in ESI alone for both mortality and composite outcome (0.786 vs. 0.777, P<.001 for mortality; 0.778 vs. 0.774, P<.001 for composite outcome). In each subgroup divided by ESI levels, patients with positive qSOFA had significantly higher in-hospital mortality rate compared to those with negative qSOFA (20.4% vs. 14.7%, P=.117 in ESI level 1 subgroup; 11.3% vs. 2.7%, P=.001 in ESI level 2 subgroup; 2.3% vs. 0.4%, P<.001 in ESI level 3 subgroup; 0.0% vs. 0.0% in ESI level 4 or 5 subgroup). The prognostic performance of ESI+qSOFA for in-hospital mortality was significantly higher than that of ESI alone. Within each subgroup, patients with positive qSOFA had higher in-hospital mortality compared to those with negative qSOFA. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dose Accuracy and Injection Force of Different Insulin Glargine Pens

PubMed Central

Friedrichs, Arnd; Bohnet, Janine; Korger, Volker; Adler, Steffen; Schubert-Zsilavecz, Manfred; Abdel-Tawab, Mona

2013-01-01

Background Dose accuracy and injection force, representing key parameters of insulin pens, were determined for three pens delivering insulin glargine-based copies, Pen Royale (WR) and DispoPen (WD) for Glaritus® (Wockhardt) and GanLee Pen (GL) for Basalin® (Gan & Lee), compared with pens of the originator, ClikSTAR® (CS) and S o l o S TA R® (SS) for Lantus® (Sanofi) . Methods Using the weighing procedure recommended by DIN EN ISO 11608–1:2000, dose accuracy was evaluated based on nonrandomized delivery of low (5 U), mid (30 U), and high (60 U) dosage levels. Injection force was measured by dispensing the maximum dose of insulin (60 U for the GL, WR, and WD; 80 U for the SS and CS) at dose speeds of 6 and 10 U/s. Results All tested pens delivered comparable average doses within the DIN EN ISO 11608–1:2000 limits at all dosage levels. The GL revealed a higher coefficient of variation (CV) at 5 U, and the WR and WD had higher CVs at all dosage levels compared with the CS and SS. Injection force was higher for the WR, WD, and GL compared with the CS and SS at both dose speeds. In contrast to the CS and SS with an end-of-content feature, doses exceeding the remaining insulin could be dialed with the WR, GL, and WD and, apparently, dispensed with the WD. Conclusions All pens fulfilled the dose accuracy requirements defined by DIN EN ISO 11608–1:2000 standards at all three dosage levels, with the WR, WD, and GL showing higher dosage variability and injection force compared with the SS and CS. Thus, the devices that deliver insulin glargine copies show different performance characteristics compared with the originator. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2013;7(5):1346–1353 PMID:24124963

Clinical Relevance of Cytokines Gene Polymorphisms and Protein Levels in Gingival Cervical Fluid from Chronic Periodontitis Patients.

PubMed

Lavu, Vamsi; Venkatesan, Vettriselvi; Venugopal, Priyanka; Lakkakula, Bhaskar Venkata Kameswara Subrahmanya; Paul, Solomon Franklin Durairaj; Peria, Kumarasamy; Rao, Suresh Ranga

2017-03-01

Cytokines are suggested to play a role in periodontitis. To determine and compare the levels of Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples amongst healthy individuals and those with chronic periodontitis. Further to compare the GCF cytokine levels in three genotype classes defined by the respective gene polymorphisms. The study was conducted on 41 chronic periodontitis patients and 40 healthy volunteers. IL-1β and TNF-α were quantified in GCF by cytometric bead array. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples and genotyping of IL1B +3954C/T (rs1143634) IL1B -511G/A (rs16944), TNFA -1031T/C (rs1799964) and TNFA -863C/A (rs1800630) polymorphisms were performed using Sanger sequencing and Taqman SNP genotyping assays methods. Both IL-1β and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in chronic periodontitis group compared to the controls. IL-1β and TNF-α levels did not significantly differ in genotype classes of the respective polymorphism (IL1B -511G/A, TNFA -1031T/C and TNFA -863C/A). However, individuals with CT genotype of IL1B +3954C/T showed higher levels of IL-1β in the gingival crevicular fluid (ANOVA p<0.05). The results of this study revealed the presence of higher levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in subjects with periodontitis and genetic control of IL-1β levels in our samples of Indians.

Sex differences in amino acids lost via sweating could lead to differential susceptibilities to disturbances in nitrogen balance and collagen turnover.

PubMed

Dunstan, R H; Sparkes, D L; Dascombe, B J; Stevens, C J; Murphy, G R; Macdonald, M M; Gottfries, J; Gottfries, C-G; Roberts, T K

2017-08-01

Fluid collected during sweating is enriched with amino acids derived from the skin's natural moisturising factors and has been termed "faux" sweat. Little is known about sex differences in sweat amino acid composition or whether faux sweat amino acid losses affect nitrogen balance. Faux sweat collected by healthy adults (n = 47) after exercise, and at rest by chronic fatigue patients, was analysed for amino acid composition. Healthy females had higher total amino acid concentrations in sweat (10.5 ± 1.2 mM) compared with healthy males (6.9 ± 0.9 mM). Females had higher levels of 13 amino acids in sweat including serine, alanine and glycine. Higher hydroxyproline and proline levels suggested greater collagen turnover in females. Modelling indicated that with conservative levels of exercise, amino acid losses in females via faux sweat were triple than those predicted for urine, whereas in males they were double. It was concluded that females were more susceptible to key amino acid loss during exercise and/or hot conditions. Females reporting chronic fatigue had higher levels of methionine in faux sweat than healthy females. Males reporting chronic fatigue had higher levels of numerous amino acids in faux sweat compared to healthy males. Higher amino acid loss in faux sweat associated with chronic fatigue could contribute to a hypometabolic state. Depending on activity levels, climatic conditions and gender, amino acid losses in sweat and skin leachate could influence daily protein turnover where periods of continuously high turnover could lead to a negative net nitrogen balance.

Bidirectional Prospective Associations Between Cardiac Autonomic Activity and Inflammatory Markers.

PubMed

Hu, Mandy Xian; Lamers, Femke; Neijts, Melanie; Willemsen, Gonneke; de Geus, Eco J C; Penninx, Brenda W J H

2018-06-01

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) imbalance has been cross-sectionally associated with inflammatory processes. Longitudinal studies are needed to shed light on the nature of this relationship. We examined cross-sectional and bidirectional prospective associations between cardiac autonomic measures and inflammatory markers. Analyses were conducted with baseline (n = 2823), 2-year (n = 2099), and 6-year (n = 1774) data from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. To compare the pattern of results, prospective analyses with ANS (during sleep, leisure time, and work) and inflammation were conducted in two data sets from the Netherlands Twin Register measured for 4.9 years (n = 356) and 5.4 years (n = 472). Autonomic nervous system measures were heart rate (HR) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). Inflammatory markers were C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6. The Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety results showed that higher HR and lower RSA were cross-sectionally significantly associated with higher inflammatory levels. Higher HR predicted higher levels of CRP (B = .065, p < .001) and IL-6 (B = .036, p = .014) at follow-up. Higher CRP levels predicted lower RSA (B = -.024, p = .048) at follow-up. The Netherlands Twin Register results confirmed that higher HR was associated with higher CRP and IL-6 levels 4.9 years later. Higher IL-6 levels predicted higher HR and lower RSA at follow-up. Autonomic imbalance is associated with higher levels of inflammation. Independent data from two studies converge in evidence that higher HR predicts subsequent higher levels of CRP and IL-6. Inflammatory markers may also predict future ANS activity, but evidence for this was less consistent.

Evaluation of YB-1 levels in patients with endometriosis.

PubMed

Ahrens, Thorben; Silveira, Cassia G T; Banz-Jansen, Constanze; Rody, Achim; Hornung, Daniela

2015-08-01

The objective of this study is the evaluation of serum YB-1 levels in the diagnosis of endometriosis. Serum samples of 12 patients with histologically confirmed endometriosis and of 10 control patients were collected. Western blot analysis was used to assess serum YB-1 levels. Groups were compared with Student's t-test or, if not normally distributed, with the Mann-Whitney test. Sensitivity and specificity for the potential diagnostic performance of serum YB-1 were assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Serum YB-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with endometriosis (=0.004). The area under the curve was 0.867 (95% confidence interval 0.714-1.019) with sensitivity and specificity of 83.3% and 70% respectively. Serum YB-1 levels in patients with endometriosis are significantly higher compared to control patients and may be used as a potential diagnostic biomarker for endometriosis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Organisation and Management of Continuing Higher Education: Findings of a Comparative Study in Six Countries from a German Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knust, Michaela; Zawacki-Richter, Olaf; Hanft, Anke

2008-01-01

An international comparison study investigated the organisation and management of continuing higher education (CHE) in Germany, Finland, France, the United Kingdom, Austria and the United States of America. CHE is compared on the system level (boundaries between traditional study programmes and CHE, linking of CHE and vocational training,…

What Are Normal Metal Ion Levels After Total Hip Arthroplasty? A Serologic Analysis of Four Bearing Surfaces.

PubMed

Barlow, Brian T; Ortiz, Philippe A; Boles, John W; Lee, Yuo-Yu; Padgett, Douglas E; Westrich, Geoffrey H

2017-05-01

The recent experiences with adverse local tissue reactions have highlighted the need to establish what are normal serum levels of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), and titanium (Ti) after hip arthroplasty. Serum Co, Cr, and Ti levels were measured in 80 nonconsecutive patients with well-functioning unilateral total hip arthroplasty and compared among 4 bearing surfaces: ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC); ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP); metal-on-polyethylene (MoP), and dual mobility (DM). The preoperative and most recent University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were compared among the different bearing surfaces. No significant difference was found among serum Co and Cr levels between the 4 bearing surface groups (P = .0609 and P = .1577). Secondary analysis comparing metal and ceramic femoral heads demonstrated that the metal group (MoP, modular dual mobility (Stryker Orthopedics, Mahwah, NJ) [metal]) had significant higher serum Co levels compared with the ceramic group (CoC, CoP, MDM [ceramic]) (1.05 mg/L ± 1.25 vs 0.59 mg/L ± 0.24; P = .0411). Spearman coefficient identified no correlation between metal ion levels and patient-reported outcome scores. No serum metal ion level differences were found among well-functioning total hip arthroplasty with modern bearing couples. Significantly higher serum Co levels were seen when comparing metal vs ceramic femoral heads in this study and warrants further investigation. Metal ion levels did not correlate with patient-reported outcome measures. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Circulating levels of hydrogen sulfide and substance P in patients with sepsis.

PubMed

Gaddam, Ravinder Reddy; Chambers, Stephen; Murdoch, David; Shaw, Geoffrey; Bhatia, Madhav

2017-10-01

To determine alterations of circulating levels of hydrogen sulfide and substance P in patients with sepsis compared to non-sepsis patients with similar disease severity and organ dysfunction. This study included 23 septic and 14 non-septic patients during 2015-16 study period at the Christchurch Hospital Intensive Care Unit, Christchurch, New Zealand. Blood samples were collected from the time of admission to 96 h, with collection at different time points (0 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h) and subjected to measurement of hydrogen sulfide, substance P, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and lactate levels. Patients with sepsis showed higher circulating hydrogen sulfide and substance P levels compared to patients without sepsis. Hydrogen sulfide levels were significantly higher at 12 h (1.45 vs 0.75 μM; p < 0.05) and 24 h (1.11 vs 0.72 μM; p < 0.01), whereas substance P levels were higher at 48 h (0.55 vs 0.31 ng/mL; p < 0.05). Increased hydrogen sulfide and substance P levels in septic patients were associated with increased levels of inflammatory mediators - procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and interleukin-6. These results provide evidence that higher circulating levels of hydrogen sulfide and substance P are associated with increased inflammatory response in patients with sepsis. Copyright © 2017 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Accessibility of Higher Education in the Russian Regions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gromov, A. D.; Platonova, D. P.; Semyonov, D. S.; Pyrova, T. L.

2017-01-01

This article provides a comparative analysis of accessibility of higher education across Russian regions in terms of the following three factors: the availability of admission opportunities; financial affordability; and geographic accessibility. The study will be of interest to government agencies in higher education at various levels, analysts…

Post-translational modifications of eNOS augment nitric oxide availability and facilitates hypoxia adaptation in Ladakhi women.

PubMed

Pooja; Ghosh, Dishari; Bhargava, Kalpana; Sethy, Niroj Kumar

2018-06-09

The lower inhaled oxygen per volume at high altitude poses an intimidating challenge for humans to survive and reproduce. Indigenous populations of the Himalayas reportedly exhibit higher microcirculatory blood flow accompanied by higher orders of magnitude of nitric oxide (NO) products in lung, plasma and red blood cells as a vascular adaptation strategy for hypobaric hypoxia. The precise mechanism of such observed higher NO metabolites for hypoxia adaptation remains elusive. Studying high altitude native Ladakhi women, we observed significant higher eNOS mRNA and protein in blood/plasma as compared to lowland women. We also observed higher level of plasma l-citrulline and NOx (nitrates and nitrites) with concomitant lower levels of arginase mRNA and protein further suggesting higher eNOS activity and NO bioavailability. Interestingly, middle aged postmenopausal Ladakhi women exhibited significantly higher level of eNOS activity, NOx and cGMP as compared to age matched lowland women. Preferential phosphorylation of eNOS on stimulatory Ser1177 and Ser615 as well as dephosphorylation of inhibitory Thr495 site contributed to higher NO availability in Ladakhi women irrespective of age. We also observed higher levels of eNOS activating humoral factors like bradykinin and estrogen in both young and middle-aged Ladakhi women. These results suggest that an altered phosphorylation status, together with an enhanced expression of eNOS and potential humoral endothelial activators, are involved in enhanced activation of the eNOS-NO-cGMP pathway in Ladakhi women irrespective of age, reinforcing the hypothesis that NO metabolites play a major role in Himalayan pattern of hypoxia adaptation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Designing a Gunnery Training Strategy

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-06-01

more direct test of the effects of subgoal commonality would not compare part and whole training; it would instead compare groups whose training is...speech production, and musical performance is that a higher level of control determines the nature of a given activity, while a lower level governs the...necessarily correspond to successive training requisites. In fact, Hoffman et al. (1983) compared top-down and bottom-up training strategies using similar

Cognitive and linguistic predictors of reading comprehension in children with intellectual disabilities.

PubMed

van Wingerden, Evelien; Segers, Eliane; van Balkom, Hans; Verhoeven, Ludo

2014-11-01

A considerable number of children with intellectual disabilities (ID) are able to acquire basic word reading skills. However, not much is known about their achievements in more advanced reading comprehension skills. In the present study, a group of 49 children with ID and a control group of 21 typically developing children with word decoding skills in the normal ranges of first grade were compared in lower level (explicit meaning) and higher level (implicit meaning) reading comprehension abilities. Moreover, in the group of children with ID it was examined to what extent their levels of lower level and higher level reading comprehension could be predicted from their linguistic skills (word decoding, vocabulary, language comprehension) and cognitive skill (nonverbal reasoning). It was found that children with ID were weaker than typically developing children in higher level reading comprehension but not in lower level reading comprehension. Children with ID also performed below the control group on nonverbal reasoning and language comprehension. After controlling for nonverbal reasoning, linguistic skills predicted lower level reading comprehension but not higher level reading comprehension. It can be concluded that children with ID who have basic decoding skill do reasonably well on lower level reading comprehension but continue to have problems with higher level reading comprehension. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Organochlorine pesticide level differences among female inhabitants from Veracruz, Puebla and Tabasco, Mexico.

PubMed

Waliszewski, Stefan M; Caba, M; Saldarriaga-Noreña, H; Martínez, A J; Meza, E; Valencia Quintana, R; Zepeda, R

2014-08-01

Organochlorine pesticides have been used in Mexico in malaria control programs and against ectoparasites. The objective of this study was to compare the levels of organochlorine pesticides: HCB, α-β-γ-HCH, pp'-DDE, op'-DDT and pp'-DDT in adipose tissue of female inhabitants from three Mexican states: Veracruz, Puebla and Tabasco. Data analyses indicated higher β-HCH levels in Puebla inhabitants. When comparing the mean values of the pp'-DDE concentrations among the three states, no statistically significant differences were noted. A trend of increasing concentrations of op'-DDT from Veracruz to Puebla and Tabasco was observed. Significantly higher pp'-DDT concentrations in Veracruz as compared to Puebla and Tabasco were determined. Using factorial analysis of three age categories (>30, 31-50, <51) organochlorine pesticide concentrations increases with age of participants, indicating time of exposure as a principal factor of organochlorine pesticides accumulation in adipose tissue.

Definitive care in level 3 trauma centres after severe injury: A comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes.

PubMed

Gomez, David; Alali, Aziz S; Xiong, Wei; Zarzaur, Ben L; Mann, N Clay; Nathens, Avery B

2015-09-01

The role of level 3 trauma centres (TC) in inclusive trauma systems has not been well defined. The absence of nationally recognised inter-facility transfer criteria for inclusive systems has often left individual level 3 TCs to decide upon their own what their spectrum of care is and particularly which severely injured patients to admit for definitive care. Retrospective cohort study in which the principal objective was to compare the characteristics and outcomes of severely injured (injury severity score>15) adult patients (≥18 years) who received definitive care at level 3 centres with severely injured adult patients who were transferred to level 1-2 TCs during the same time period. Data were derived from the National Trauma Data Bank (2010-2011). First, we utilised hierarchical logistic regression models to evaluate the risk-adjusted mortality of patients admitted at level 3 TCs compared to those who were transferred to level 1-2 TCs. Subgroup analysis was carried out for patients with isolated traumatic brain injury (iTBI). Finally, we explored the extent of variation in risk-adjusted mortality across level 3 TCs. We identified 6433 severely injured patients who received definitive care across 150 level 3 TCs and 41,165 severely injured patients transferred to level 1-2 centres. Patients who received definitive care at level 3 TCs had a lower comorbidity burden and different injury profiles compared to those transferred to level 1-2 centres. There was no difference in crude mortality (10% vs. 11%, standardised difference 0.04); however, after risk-adjustment, the odds of death for patients who received definitive care at level 3 TCs were 1.24-fold higher (95%CI 1.08-1.43) when compared to those transferred to level 1-2 centres. A trend towards a higher likelihood of death at level 3 centres was observed when analysis was limited to patients with iTBI. Risk-adjusted mortality across level 3 TCs was with few exceptions, homogeneous (<10% of level 3 TCs were outliers with higher/lower mortality). Level 3 trauma centres are providing definitive care for a subset of severely injured patients. Our findings suggest that the outcomes of severely injured patients admitted at level 3 centres might be worse compared to those transferred to level 1-2 centres; a finding independent of performance outliers. Further work is required to elucidate the determinants of admission after severe injury at level 3 trauma centres. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Single vs Bilateral Lung Transplantation on Plasma Surfactant Protein D Levels in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

PubMed Central

Beers, Michael F.; Ahya, Vivek N.; Kawut, Steven M.; Sims, Karen D.; Lederer, David J.; Palmer, Scott M.; Wille, Keith; Lama, Vibha N.; Shah, Pali D.; Orens, Jonathan B.; Bhorade, Sangeeta; Crespo, Maria; Weinacker, Ann; Demissie, Ejigayehu; Bellamy, Scarlett; Christie, Jason D.; Ware, Lorraine B.

2011-01-01

Background: Serum levels of surfactant protein D (SP-D) have been suggested as reflecting epithelial damage in acute lung injury, COPD, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, little is known about SP-D levels in the setting of lung transplantation. Methods: We examined plasma SP-D levels in 104 subjects from a prospective, multicenter cohort study of lung allograft recipients. Plasma SP-D was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay prior to transplant and daily for 3 days after transplant. Results: Subjects undergoing transplant for IPF had higher baseline SP-D levels (median, 325 ng/mL) compared with subjects with cystic fibrosis, COPD, and pulmonary hypertension (median, 100, 80, and 82 ng/mL, respectively; P = .0001). Among subjects with IPF undergoing bilateral transplant, SP-D levels declined rapidly postoperatively. In contrast, SP-D levels in subjects undergoing single lung transplant for IPF remained significantly higher than those of bilateral allograft recipients. Among subjects undergoing single lung transplant for IPF, the development of primary graft dysfunction (PGD) was associated with a subsequent rise in SP-D levels, whereas SP-D levels in IPF subjects undergoing bilateral transplant declined, even in the presence of grade 3 PGD. Importantly, single lung allograft recipients without PGD had higher postoperative SP-D levels than bilateral allograft recipients with PGD. Conclusions: Subjects undergoing lung transplant for IPF have significantly higher baseline plasma SP-D levels compared with those with other diagnoses. Plasma SP-D is likely a biomarker of the air-blood barrier integrity in the native IPF lung, but may be less useful as a biomarker of PGD after transplant. PMID:21349925

Clinical significance of serum and urinary HER2/neu protein levels in primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

PubMed

Arikan, Ozgur; Yýldýrým, Asýf; Ýsbilen, Banu; Canakci, Cengiz; Atýs, Gokhan; Gurbuz, Cenk; Erol, Bulent; Ýsman, Ferruh Kemal; Ozkanli, Seyma; Caskurlu, Turhan

2015-01-01

We aimed to compare serum and urinary HER2/neu levels between healthy control group and patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Additionally, we evaluated relationship of HER2/neu levels with tumor stage, grade, recurrence and progression. Fourty-four patients with primary non-muscle invasive bladder tumors (Group 2) and 40 healthy control group (Group 1) were included the study. Blood and urinary samples were collected from all patients and HER2/neu levels were measured by ELISA method. Blood and urinary HER2/neu levels and additionally, ratio of urinary HER2/neu levels to urinary creatinine levels were recorded. Demographic data and tumor characteristics were recorded. Mean serum HER2/neu levels were similar between two groups and statistically significant difference wasn't observed. Urinary HER2/neu levels were significantly higher in group 2 than group 1. Ratio of urinary HER2/neu to urinary creatinine was significantly higher in group 2 than group 1, (p=0,021). Serum and urinary HER2/ neu levels were not associated with tumor stage, grade, recurrence and progression while ratio of urinary HER2/neu to urinary creatinin levels were significantly higher in high-grade tumors. HER2/neu, the sensitivity of the test was found to be 20.5%, and the specificity was 97.5%, also for the urinary HER2/neu/urinary creatinine ratio, the sensitivity and specificity of the test were found to be 31.8% and 87.5%, respectively. Urinary HER2/neu and ratio of urinary creatinine urine were significantly higher in patients with bladder cancer compared to healthy subjects. Large series and controlled studies are needed for use as a tumor marker.

The association of diet and thrombotic risk factors in healthy male vegetarians and meat-eaters.

PubMed

Li, D; Sinclair, A; Mann, N; Turner, A; Ball, M; Kelly, F; Abedin, L; Wilson, A

1999-08-01

The aim of this study was to assess thrombosis tendency in subjects who were habitual meat-eaters compared with those who were habitual vegetarians. Cross-sectional comparison of habitual meat-eaters and habitual vegetarians. Free living subjects. One hundred and thirty-nine healthy male subjects (vegans n = 18, ovolacto vegetarians n = 43, moderate-meat-eaters n = 60 and high-meat-eaters n = 18) aged 20-55 y who were recruited in Melbourne. Dietary intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. The parameters of thrombosis were measured by standard methods. Saturated fat and cholesterol intakes were significantly higher and polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) was significantly lower in the meat-eaters compared with vegetarians. In the meat-eaters, the platelet phospholipids AA levels were significantly higher than in the vegetarians, but there was no increase in ex vivo platelet aggregation and plasma 11-dehydro thromboxane B2 levels. Vegetarians, especially the vegans, had a significantly increased mean collagen and ADP stimulated ex vivo whole blood platelet aggregation compared with meat-eaters. The vegan group had a significantly higher mean platelet volume than the other three dietary groups. However, meat-eaters had a significantly higher cluster of cardiovascular risk factors compared with vegetarians, including increased body mass index, waist to hip ratio, plasma total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol and LDL-C levels, ratio of TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C and plasma factor VII activity. Consumption of meat is not associated with an increased platelet aggregation compared with vegetarian subjects.

Reliability Handbook

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-07-01

44 a. One-sided level ................................. 44 b. Two-sided level .......................................... 44 H. Testing...successively higher levels of severity must be used until failure is obtained, as in the applications of successively greater loads until failure is...severe than that applied at comparable levels of severity in the laboratory. Further- _ . more, interactions among environments and among components

Marital stability and repartnering: infertility-related stress trajectories of unsuccessful fertility treatment.

PubMed

Martins, Mariana V; Costa, Patrício; Peterson, Brennan D; Costa, Maria E; Schmidt, Lone

2014-12-01

To compare the trajectories of infertility-related stress between patients who remain in the same relationship and patients who repartner. Longitudinal cohort study using latent growth modeling. Fertility centers. Childless men and women evaluated before starting a new cycle of fertility treatment and observed for a 5-year period of unsuccessful treatments. None. Marital stability and infertility-related stress. The majority of patients (86%) remained with their initial partner, but 14% of participants separated and repartnered while pursuing fertility treatments. Marital stability significantly predicted the initial status of infertility stress and infertility stress growth levels. Specifically, patients who repartnered had higher infertility stress levels at all time points compared with those who remained in the same relationship, regardless of the partner they were with at assessment. Furthermore, results showed an increasing stress trajectory over time for those who repartnered, compared with those who remained in a stable relationship. Men and women in fertility treatment who form a second union have higher initial levels of stress in their original relationship and higher changes in stress levels over the course of treatments. These findings suggest that high infertility-related stress levels before entering fertility treatment can negatively affect the stability of marital relationships and lead to repartnering. Copyright © 2014 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

25(OH)D levels in trained versus sedentary university students at 64° north.

PubMed

Jerome, Scott P; Sticka, Kendra D; Schnurr, Theresia M; Mangum, Sally J; Reynolds, Arleigh J; Dunlap, Kriya L

2017-01-01

25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) deficiency is associated with compromised bone mineralisation, fatigue, suppressed immune function and unsatisfactory skeletal muscle recovery. We investigated the risk of 25(OH)D insufficiency or deficiency in endurance athletes compared to sedentary non-athletes living at 64° north. University student-athletes (TS) and sedentary students (SS) volunteered to participate in this study. TS engaged in regular exercise while SS exercised no more than 20 minutes/week. Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) scores for participants were determined. Vitamin D intake was assessed using the National Cancer Institute's 24-hour food recall (ASA24). Fasting plasma 25(OH)D levels were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. TS reported higher activity levels than SS as assessed with MET-minutes/week and ranking of physical activity levels (p < 0.05). The reported mean daily intake of vitamin D was higher in TS compared to SS (p < 0.05) while 25(OH)D plasma levels were lower in TS than in SS (p < 0.05). In total, 43.8% of the TS were either insufficient (31.3%) or deficient (12.5%) in 25(OH)D, while none of the SS were insufficient and 13.3% were deficient. TS are at increased risk of 25(OH)D insufficiency or deficiency compared to their sedentary counterparts residing at the same latitude, despite higher vitamin D intake.

Parasite Specific Antibody Levels, Interferon-γ and TLR2 and TLR4 Transcripts in Blood from Dogs with Different Clinical Stages of Leishmaniosis

PubMed Central

Montserrat-Sangrà, Sara; Ordeix, Laura; Martínez-Orellana, Pamela; Solano-Gallego, Laia

2018-01-01

Canine leishmaniosis has a wide range of disease severity from mild (stage I), to severe (stages II–III), or very severe disease (stage IV). The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare serum antibody levels, Leishmania infantum specific IFN-γ production and TLR2 and TLR4 transcripts in non-stimulated blood from dogs with different clinical stages at the time of diagnosis as well as blood parasitemia. Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISAs) were performed to determine serum antibody levels and IFN-γ production and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCRs) in order to determine blood parasite load and TLR2 and TLR4 transcripts. Older dogs were significantly affected by more severe disease with higher antibody levels and blood parasitemia than dogs with mild disease. IFN-γ production was significantly higher in dogs with stage I disease when compared to dogs with more severe disease. Relative quantification of TLR2 in dogs with mild disease was similar to that of control dogs. On the other hand, TLR2 transcripts were significantly higher in dogs with severe disease as compared with that from control healthy dogs. No differences were found in TLR4 relative quantification between groups. This study demonstrates that dogs with different clinical stages of leishmaniosis present different levels of biological markers indicative of different immune responses. PMID:29547503

Parenting stressors and morning cortisol in a sample of working mothers

PubMed Central

Hibel, Leah C.; Mercado, Evelyn; Trumbell, Jill M.

2012-01-01

The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is a normative rise in cortisol levels across the 30 minutes post awakening. Both the levels and the degree of change in cortisol across this time period are sensitive to the perceived challenges of the day and are thought to prepare the individual to meet these tasks. However, working parents of young children may be under unique strains at this time as they attempt to simultaneously care for their children while also preparing themselves for the workday ahead. In these analyses we examined the contributions of both work and parenting stress on maternal cortisol levels and awakening responses, and how these relationships differed on workdays compared to non-workdays. To do this, saliva samples were collected from 56 working mothers (25% single) with a child between the ages of 2 and 4 years old (mode = 2 children), at awakening and 30-minutes post awakening. Samples were collected on four consecutive days—two non-workdays followed by two workdays. Analyses revealed mothers reporting higher levels of parenting stress had higher average AM cortisol on workdays compared to non-workdays. Further, mothers reporting a combination of high job strain and high parenting stress had significantly higher cortisol levels, and steeper CAR increases on workdays compared to non-workdays. Findings are discussed by integrating knowledge from the fields of parenting stress, work-family, and stress physiology. PMID:22866929

Secondhand smoke exposure and serum cotinine levels among current smokers in the USA.

PubMed

Lindsay, Ryan P; Tsoh, Janice Y; Sung, Hai-Yen; Max, Wendy

2016-03-01

Secondhand smoke (SHS) likely provides additional exposure to nicotine and toxins for smokers, but has been understudied. Our objective was to determine whether SHS exposure among smokers yields detectable differences in cotinine levels compared with unexposed smokers at the population level. Using the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the years 1999-2012, we compared serum cotinine levels of 4547 current adult cigarette smokers stratified by self-reported SHS exposure sources (home and/or work) and smoking intensity. A weighted multivariable linear regression model determined the association between SHS exposure and cotinine levels among smokers. Smokers with SHS exposure at home (43.8%) had higher cotinine levels (β=0.483, p≤0.001) compared with those with no SHS exposure at home after controlling for the number of cigarettes smoked per day and number of days smoked in the previous 5 days, survey year, age, gender and education. Smokers with SHS exposure at work (20.0%) did not have significantly higher cotinine levels after adjustment. The adjusted geometric mean cotinine levels of light smokers (1-9 cigarettes per day) with no SHS exposure, exposure at work only, home only, and both home and work were 52.0, 62.7, 67.2, 74.4 ng/mL, respectively, compared with 219.4, 220.9, 255.2, 250.5 ng/mL among moderate/heavy smokers (≥10 cigarettes per day). Smokers living in residences where others smoke inside the home had significantly higher cotinine levels than smokers reporting no SHS exposure, regardless of individual smoking intensity. Future research should target the role that SHS exposure may have in nicotine dependence, cessation outcomes and other health impacts among smokers. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Glutamate in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and auditory verbal hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia: A 1H MRS study.

PubMed

Ćurčić-Blake, Branislava; Bais, Leonie; Sibeijn-Kuiper, Anita; Pijnenborg, Hendrika Maria; Knegtering, Henderikus; Liemburg, Edith; Aleman, André

2017-08-01

Glutamatergic models of psychosis propose that dysfunction of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, and associated excess of glutamate, may underlie psychotic experiences in people with schizophrenia. However, little is known about the specific relation between glutamate and auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) in patients with psychosis. In this study, levels of glutamate+glutamine (Glx) in the left lateral prefrontal lobe were determined using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H MRS) to calculate their association with AVH. Sixty-seven patients with schizophrenia and thirty healthy control participants (HC) underwent magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to estimate levels of Glx in the white matter of the left prefrontal lobe. The spectrum was estimated from an 8mm 3 voxel placed in the left lateral prefrontal region, belonging to both the cingulum and forceps minor. Patients with lifetime AVH (AVH group; n=45) and patients without lifetime AVH were compared (NoAVH group; n=22) to control participants. Levels of Glx were significantly different between the groups (F(2,94)=5.27, p=0.007). Planned comparisons showed that higher Glx levels were found in control participants than in the total patient group (p=0.010). However, patients with lifetime AVH had higher levels of Glx compared to patients without lifetime AVH (p=0.019). Creatin levels were similar in all three groups. We found no association between Glx and the severity of symptoms (item P3 of the PANSS or PANSS positive subscale). The higher Glx levels in patients with lifetime AVH as compared to patients without lifetime AVH suggest a mediating role for Glx in AVH. Our results are consistent with a previous study that found similar decreased levels of Glx in patients with schizophrenia, and increased levels in an AVH group as compared to a NoAVH group. The role of the glutamatergic system deserves further investigation, for example in different brain regions and in relation to clinical variables. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Elevated striatal γ-aminobutyric acid in youth with major depressive disorder.

PubMed

Bradley, Kailyn A; Alonso, Carmen M; Mehra, Lushna M; Xu, Junqian; Gabbay, Vilma

2018-06-08

Alterations in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) have been hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of psychiatric illness. Our previous work has specifically linked anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) GABA deficits with anhedonia in youth with major depressive disorder (MDD). As anhedonia reflects alterations within the reward circuitry, we sought to extend this investigation and examine GABA levels in another key reward-related region, the striatum, in the same adolescent population. Thirty-six youth [20 with MDD and 16 healthy controls; (HC)], ages 12 to 21 years old, underwent J-edited proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H MRS) whereby GABA levels were measured in striatal and ACC voxels. GABA levels were compared between groups and between voxel positions and were examined in relation to clinical symptomatology, such as depression severity, anhedonia, anxiety, and suicidality. Depressed youth had unexpectedly higher GABA levels in the striatum compared to HC. In both depressed and healthy youth, GABA levels were higher in the striatum than in the ACC, while the differences in depressed youth were greater. Moreover, in depressed youth, higher striatal GABA above the mean of HCs was correlated with lower ACC GABA below the mean of HCs. Striatal GABA was not correlated with clinical symptomatology in this small sample. Together, these findings suggest that higher striatal GABA levels may serve some compensatory function as a result of lower ACC GABA in depressed adolescents. It is also possible that, like lower ACC GABA, higher striatal GABA might simply be another pathological feature of adolescent depression. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of a quantitative assay to measure expression of transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) in Lost River sucker (Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose sucker (Chasmistes brevirostris) and evaluation of potential pitfalls in use with field-collected samples

USGS Publications Warehouse

Robertson, Laura S.; Ottinger, Christopher A.; Burdick, Summer M.; VanderKooi, Scott P.

2012-01-01

The Nature Conservancy is in the process of restoring the Williamson River Delta in an attempt to recreate important juvenile habitat for the endangered shortnose sucker Chasmistes brevirostris and the endangered Lost River sucker Deltistes luxatus. Measurement of TGF-β mRNA expression level was one of the indicators chosen to evaluate juvenile sucker health during the restoration process. TGF-β mRNA expression level has been correlated with disease status in several laboratory studies and TGF-β mRNA expression level has been used as a species-specific indicator of immune status in field-based fish health assessments. We describe here the identification of TGF-β and a possible splice variant from shortnose sucker and from Lost River sucker. The performance of a quantitative RT-PCR assay to measure TGF-β mRNA expression level was evaluated in field-collected spleen and kidney tissue samples. The quality of extracted RNA was higher in tissues harvested in September compared to July and higher in tissues harvested at lower temperature compared to higher temperature. In addition, the expression level of both TGF-β and 18S as assessed by qRT-PCR was higher in samples with higher quality RNA. TGF-β mRNA expression was lower in kidney than in spleen in both Lost River sucker and shortnose sucker.

Cytokine Profile in Patients with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and Its Association with Disease Progression and Disability.

PubMed

Kallaur, Ana Paula; Oliveira, Sayonara Rangel; Simão, Andréa Name Colado; Alfieri, Daniela Frizon; Flauzino, Tamires; Lopes, Josiane; de Carvalho Jennings Pereira, Wildea Lice; de Meleck Proença, Caio; Borelli, Sueli Donizete; Kaimen-Maciel, Damacio Ramón; Maes, Michael; Reiche, Edna Maria Vissoci

2017-05-01

Inflammation is the driving force for brain injury in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of the present study is to delineate the serum cytokine profile in patients with progressive MS in a Southern Brazilian population compared with healthy controls and patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and its associations with disease progression and disability. We included 32 patients with progressive MS, 126 with RRMS, and 40 healthy controls. The patients were evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium. Serum interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-10, IL-4, and IL-17 levels were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-4, and IL-10 levels were higher in progressive MS than in controls. Increased IL-1β and IFN-γ and decreased IL-12 and IL-4 levels were found in progressive MS compared with RRMS. Patients with progressive MS with disease progression presented higher TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-10 levels than those without disease progression. Patients with progressive MS with disease progression showed a higher frequency of positive gadolinium-enhanced lesions in MRI; higher TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17 levels; and decreased IL-12 levels compared with RRMS patients with progression. There was a significant inverse correlation between IL-10 levels and EDSS score in patients with progressive MS. The results underscore the complex cytokine network imbalance exhibited by progressive MS patients and show the important involvement of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17 in the pathophysiology and progression of the disease. Moreover, serum IL-10 levels were inversely associated with disability in patients with progressive MS.

High oestradiol concentration after ovarian stimulation is associated with lower maternal serum beta-HCG concentration and neonatal birth weight.

PubMed

Liu, Suying; Kuang, Yanping; Wu, Yu; Feng, Yun; Lyu, Qifeng; Wang, Li; Sun, Yijuan; Sun, Xiaoxi

2017-08-01

In this retrospective study, the relationship between maternal serum oestradiol and progesterone levels after fresh embryo transfer or frozen embryo transfer (FET), and serum beta-HCG levels in early pregnancy and neonatal birth weight was examined. Included for analysis were 5643 conceived singletons: 2610 after FET and 3033 after fresh embryo transfer. Outcome measures included maternal serum oestradiol, progesterone, beta-HCG levels during the peri-implantation period, birth weight and small-for-gestational-age (SGA). Results at 4, 5 and 6 weeks' gestation were as follows: serum oestradiol and progesterone levels were significantly higher in women who underwent fresh embryo transfer compared with FET (all P < 0.0001 except progesterone at 6 weeks; P = 0.009); for fresh embryo transfers, serum beta-HCG levels were significantly lower than in women who underwent FET (P < 0.0001); beta-HCG levels were negatively correlated with serum oestradiol; and birth weight was negatively correlated with serum oestradiol. Incidence of SGA in fresh embryo transfer was increased significantly compared with FET (P < 0.001). Higher maternal oestradiol levels after fresh embryo transfer was correlated with lower beta-HCG in early pregnancy, lower birth weight and higher incidence of SGA. Copyright © 2017 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Apolipoprotein E in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: A Case-Control Study

PubMed Central

Kumar, Amit; Tripathi, Manjari; Pandey, Ravindra M.; Ramakrishnan, Lakshmy; Srinivas, M.; Luthra, Kalpana

2006-01-01

Purpose: To investigate the relationship of apolipoprotein E (apoE) genotype, plasma levels of apoE and lipids in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients in Asian Indians. Status of plasma levels of Apo E in epilepsy patients has not been reported till date. Methods: ApoE gene polymorphism was analyzed in 58 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and 57 age and sex approximated controls using Polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Levels of plasma apoE and lipids were measured using ELISA and enzymatic kits respectively. Results: The distribution of ApoE genotype in epilepsy patients and controls was comparable. Higher levels of plasma ApoE were observed in TLE patients as compared to controls (p = 0.0001). Individuals with plasma levels of apoE > 190 mg/L were at 20 times higher odds (95%CI = 2.46–163.34, p = 0.005), while those with levels of apoE between 150–190 mg/L were at 4.9 times higher odds (95% CI = 1.85–13.9, p = 0.001), to develop TLE. Conclusions: We have observed for the first time, high levels of plasma apoE in epilepsy patients. The findings of this case-control study suggest that apolipoprotein E may play an important role in epilepsy. PMID:17264404

Carboxyhemoglobin Formation in Preterm Infants Is Related to the Subsequent Development of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

PubMed Central

Tokuriki, Shuko; Okuno, Takashi; Ohta, Genrei

2015-01-01

Objective. To evaluate the usefulness of carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) levels as a biomarker to predict the development and severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Methods. Twenty-five infants born at <33 wk of gestational age or with a birth weight of <1,500 g were enrolled. CO-Hb levels were measured between postnatal days 5 and 8, 12 and 15, 19 and 22, and 26 and 29. Urinary levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), advanced oxidation protein products, and Nε-(hexanoyl) lysine were measured between postnatal days 5 and 8 and 26 and 29. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to compare the biomarkers' predictive values. Results. Compared with infants in the no-or-mild BPD group, infants with moderate-to-severe BPD exhibited higher CO-Hb levels during the early postnatal period and higher 8-OHdG levels between postnatal days 5 and 8. Using ROC analysis to predict the development of moderate-to-severe BPD, the area under the curve (AUC) for CO-Hb levels between postnatal days 5 and 8 was higher than AUCs for the urinary markers. Conclusions. CO-Hb levels during the early postnatal period may serve as a practical marker for evaluating oxidative stress and the severity of subsequently developing BPD. PMID:26294808

Carboxyhemoglobin Formation in Preterm Infants Is Related to the Subsequent Development of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

PubMed

Tokuriki, Shuko; Okuno, Takashi; Ohta, Genrei; Ohshima, Yusei

2015-01-01

To evaluate the usefulness of carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) levels as a biomarker to predict the development and severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Twenty-five infants born at <33 wk of gestational age or with a birth weight of <1,500 g were enrolled. CO-Hb levels were measured between postnatal days 5 and 8, 12 and 15, 19 and 22, and 26 and 29. Urinary levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), advanced oxidation protein products, and Nε-(hexanoyl) lysine were measured between postnatal days 5 and 8 and 26 and 29. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to compare the biomarkers' predictive values. Compared with infants in the no-or-mild BPD group, infants with moderate-to-severe BPD exhibited higher CO-Hb levels during the early postnatal period and higher 8-OHdG levels between postnatal days 5 and 8. Using ROC analysis to predict the development of moderate-to-severe BPD, the area under the curve (AUC) for CO-Hb levels between postnatal days 5 and 8 was higher than AUCs for the urinary markers. CO-Hb levels during the early postnatal period may serve as a practical marker for evaluating oxidative stress and the severity of subsequently developing BPD.

A comparison of uric acid levels in Black African vs Caucasian women from South Africa: the POWIRS study.

PubMed

Palmer, I M; Schutte, A E; Huisman, H W; Van Rooyen, J M; Schutte, R; Malan, L; Malan, N T

2007-01-01

Elevated levels of uric acid are often associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. The aim of this study was to determine whether uric acid levels differ between African and Caucasian women and whether uric acid is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors within the two ethnic groups. Women from African (N=102) and Caucasian (N=115) descent were recruited and their uric acid levels measured. Anthropometric measurements included height (stature), weight, and waist circumference. Correlations between uric acid and cardiometabolic variables within each ethnic group were also determined. African women had significantly lower levels of uric acid (P<.01) and significantly higher levels of blood pressure (P=.05) compared to the Caucasian women. There was a significant increase in blood pressure from the lower to higher uric acid tertiles in the African women. Uric acid strongly correlated with waist circumference in both ethnic groups. Despite their higher blood pressure, the African women had lower uric acid levels, yet they showed a significant increase in blood pressure from a low uric acid tertile to high uric acid tertile, which was not noticeable in the Caucasian women. A possible explanation is a lower waist circumference in African women compared to Caucasian women.

Higher serum glucose levels are associated with cerebral hypometabolism in Alzheimer regions.

PubMed

Burns, Christine M; Chen, Kewei; Kaszniak, Alfred W; Lee, Wendy; Alexander, Gene E; Bandy, Daniel; Fleisher, Adam S; Caselli, Richard J; Reiman, Eric M

2013-04-23

To investigate whether higher fasting serum glucose levels in cognitively normal, nondiabetic adults were associated with lower regional cerebral metabolic rate for glucose (rCMRgl) in brain regions preferentially affected by Alzheimer disease (AD). This is a cross-sectional study of 124 cognitively normal persons aged 64 ± 6 years with a first-degree family history of AD, including 61 APOEε4 noncarriers and 63 carriers. An automated brain mapping algorithm characterized and compared correlations between higher fasting serum glucose levels and lower [(18)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET rCMRgl measurements. As predicted, higher fasting serum glucose levels were significantly correlated with lower rCMRgl and were confined to the vicinity of brain regions preferentially affected by AD. A similar pattern of regional correlations occurred in the APOEε4 noncarriers and carriers. Higher fasting serum glucose levels in cognitively normal, nondiabetic adults may be associated with AD pathophysiology. Findings suggest that the risk imparted by higher serum glucose levels may be independent of APOEε4 status. This study raises additional questions about the role of the metabolic process in the predisposition to AD and supports the possibility of targeting these processes in presymptomatic AD trials.

Effects of the communities that care prevention system on youth reports of protective factors.

PubMed

Kim, B K Elizabeth; Gloppen, Kari M; Rhew, Isaac C; Oesterle, Sabrina; Hawkins, J David

2015-07-01

Many interventions seeking to reduce problem behaviors and promote healthy youth development target both risk and protective factors, yet few studies have examined the effect of preventive interventions on overall levels of protection community wide. In a community-randomized controlled trial, this study tested the effect of Communities That Care (CTC) on protective factors in 24 communities across seven states. Data on protective factors were collected from a panel of 4407 youths in CTC and control communities followed from grade 5 through grade 8. Hierarchical linear modeling compared mean levels of 15 protective factors derived from the social development model in CTC and control communities in grade 8, adjusted for individual and community characteristics and baseline levels of protective factors in grade 5. Global test statistics were calculated to examine effects on protection overall and by domain. Analyses across all protective factors found significantly higher levels of overall protection in CTC compared to control communities. Analyses by domain found significantly higher levels of protection in CTC than control communities in the community, school, and peer/individual domains, but not in the family domain. Significantly higher levels of opportunities for prosocial involvement in the community, recognition for prosocial involvement in school, interaction with prosocial peers, and social skills among CTC compared to control youth contributed to the overall and domain-specific results. This is consistent with CTC's theory of change, which posits that strengthening protective factors is a mechanism through which CTC prevents behavior problems.

Paleolithic nutrition: twenty-five years later.

PubMed

Konner, Melvin; Eaton, S Boyd

2010-12-01

A quarter century has passed since the first publication of the evolutionary discordance hypothesis, according to which departures from the nutrition and activity patterns of our hunter-gatherer ancestors have contributed greatly and in specifically definable ways to the endemic chronic diseases of modern civilization. Refinements of the model have changed it in some respects, but anthropological evidence continues to indicate that ancestral human diets prevalent during our evolution were characterized by much lower levels of refined carbohydrates and sodium, much higher levels of fiber and protein, and comparable levels of fat (primarily unsaturated fat) and cholesterol. Physical activity levels were also much higher than current levels, resulting in higher energy throughput. We said at the outset that such evidence could only suggest testable hypotheses and that recommendations must ultimately rest on more conventional epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory studies. Such studies have multiplied and have supported many aspects of our model, to the extent that in some respects, official recommendations today have targets closer to those prevalent among hunter-gatherers than did comparable recommendations 25 years ago. Furthermore, doubts have been raised about the necessity for very low levels of protein, fat, and cholesterol intake common in official recommendations. Most impressively, randomized controlled trials have begun to confirm the value of hunter-gatherer diets in some high-risk groups, even as compared with routinely recommended diets. Much more research needs to be done, but the past quarter century has proven the interest and heuristic value, if not yet the ultimate validity, of the model.

Stress Levels in Tenure-Track and Recently Tenured Faculty Members in Selected Institutions of Higher Education in Northeast Tennessee

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carr, Amanda R.

2014-01-01

The purpose of this quantitative study was to compare the stress, strain, and coping levels between pretenured faculty and recently tenured faculty in institutions of higher education in Northeast Tennessee. Aging faculty population combined with talented people leaving the area is common in rural parts of the United States. There is a need to…

Circulating glucagon to ghrelin ratio as a determinant of insulin resistance in hyperthyroidism.

PubMed

Ağbaht, Kemal; Erdogan, Murat Faik; Emral, Rifat; Baskal, Nilgun; Güllü, Sevim

2014-02-01

Due to stimulated overall metabolism, a state of nutritional inadequacy often ensues, during thyrotoxicosis. We aimed to investigate circulating levels of some major components of the system that regulates energy stores, glucose, and fat metabolism, during thyrotoxicosis compared to euthyroidism. Fasting serum ghrelin, leptin, adiponectin, insulin, glucagon, glucose, as well as body fat composition were analyzed during thyrotoxicosis in 40 hyperthyroid patients (50.5 ± 15.2 years old, 22 females, 31 with Graves disease, and 9 with toxic nodular goiter). The same measurements were repeated an average 3 months later, when all patients achieved euthyroidism. Compared to euthyroidism, in thyrotoxicosis, patients had lower ghrelin and fat mass; had comparable insulin, HOMA-IR, glucagon, and leptin levels; higher levels of circulating adiponectin. Fasting serum glucose tended to be higher during thyrotoxicosis. The unique correlation of HOMA-IR was with the-glucagon to ghrelin ratio-(r = 0.801, p < 0.001) in hyperthyrodism, and with glucagon itself in euthyroidism (r = -0.844, p < 0.001). Circulating levels of ghrelin are decreased; leptin, insulin, glucagon are unchanged; adiponectin are increased during hyperthyroidism. The fasting HOMA-IR tends to be higher, despite the decreased adiposity in hyperthyroidism. The-glucagon to ghrelin ratio-strongly correlates with fasting HOMA-IR in hyperthyroidism.

Ethnic differences in leptin and adiponectin levels between Greenlandic Inuit and Danish children.

PubMed

Munch-Andersen, Thor; Sorensen, Kaspar; Aachmann-Andersen, Niels-Jacob; Aksglaede, Lise; Juul, Anders; Helge, Jørn W

2013-01-01

In a recent study, we found that Greenlandic Inuit children had a more adverse metabolic profile than Danish children. Aerobic fitness and adiposity could only partly account for the differences. Therefore, we set out to evaluate and compare plasma leptin and adiponectin levels in Danish and Inuit children. In total, 187 Inuit and 132 Danish children (5.7-17.1 years) had examinations of anthropometrics, body fat content, pubertal staging, fasting blood and aerobic fitness. Plasma leptin was higher in Danish boys [3,774 (4,741-3,005)] [pg/mL unadjusted geometric mean (95% CI)] compared to both northern [2,076 (2,525-1,706)] (p < 0.001) and southern (2,515 (3,137-2,016)) (p < 0.001) living Inuit boys and higher in Danish girls [6,988 (8,353-5,847)] compared to southern living Inuit girls [4,910 (6,370-3,785)] (p = 0.021) and tended to be higher compared to northern living Inuit girls [5,131 (6,444-4,085)] (p = 0.052). Plasma adiponectin was higher for both Danish boys [22,359 (2,573-19,428)] [ng/mL unadjusted geometric mean (95% CI)] and girls [26,609 (28,994-24,420)] compared to southern living Inuit boys [15,306 (18,406-12,728)] and girls [18,864 (22,640-15,717)] (both p < 0.001), respectively. All differences remained after adjustment for body fat percentage (BF%), aerobic fitness, age and puberty. The leptin/adiponectin ratio was higher in Danish boys and tended to be higher in Danish girls compared to northern living Inuit boys and girls, respectively. These differences were eliminated after adjustment for BF%, aerobic fitness, age and puberty. In contrast to our hypothesis, plasma leptin was higher in Danish children despite a more healthy metabolic profile compared to Inuit children. As expected, plasma adiponectin was lowest in Inuit children with the most adverse metabolic profile.

Metabolic Syndrome and Serum Liver Enzymes Level at Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

PubMed Central

Music, Miralem; Dervisevic, Amela; Pepic, Esad; Lepara, Orhan; Fajkic, Almir; Ascic-Buturovic, Belma; Tuna, Enes

2015-01-01

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate liver function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with and without metabolic syndrome (MS) by determining serum levels of gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). We also investigated correlation between levels of liver enzymes and some components of MS in both groups of patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 96 patients (age 47–83 years) with T2DM. All patients were divided according to the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) in two groups: 50 patients with T2 DM and MS (T2DM-MS) and 46 patients with T2DM without MS (T2DM-Non MS). The analysis included blood pressure monitoring and laboratory tests: fasting blood glucose (FBG), total lipoprotein cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), fibrinogen and liver enzymes: GGT, ALT and AST. T2DM-MS group included patients which had FBG ≥ 6,1 mmol/L, TG ≥ 1,7 mmol/L and blood pressure ≥ 130/85 mm Hg. Results: T2DM-MS patients had significant higher values of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and medium arterial pressure compared to T2DM-Non MS patients. Serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C and FBG were significantly higher in the T2DM-MS group compared to the T2DM-Non MS group. Serum fibrinogen level and GGT level were significantly higher in patients with T2DM-MS compared to the serum fibrinogen level and GGT level in T2DM-Non MS patients. Mean serum AST and ALT level were higher, but not significantly, in patients with T2DM and MS compared to the patients with T2DM without MS. Significant negative correlations were observed between TC and AST (r= -0,28, p<0,05), as well as between TC and ALT level (r= -0,29, p<0,05) in T2DM-MS group of patients. Conclusion: These results suggest that patients with T2DM and MS have markedly elevated liver enzymes. T2DM and MS probably play a role in increasing the risk of liver injury. PMID:26543313

Serum sTWEAK and FGF-23 Levels in Hemodialysis and Renal Transplant Patients.

PubMed

Eskandari Naji, H; Ghorbanihaghjo, A; Argani, H; Raeisi, S; Safa, J; Alirezaei, A H; Rashtchizadeh, N

2017-01-01

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease. To evaluate the changes in serum soluble TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) in hemodialysis (HD) patients and renal transplant recipients (RTR). Serum samples were obtained from 30 patients on chronic HD, 30 RTRs, and 30 normal controls. Biochemical factors, sTWEAK, FGF-23, and interlukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by standard methods. Serum levels of sTWEAK in RTRs were significantly higher than those in the HD patients (p=0.025); RTR and HD patients had significantly lower sTWEAK levels than the controls (p=0.001 and p= 0.038, respectively). Serum levels of FGF-23 in HD patients were significantly (p=0.001) higher than those in the RTR; the level was higher in both studied groups compared to that in the controls (p=0.001 for both groups). The mean serum level of IL-6 in HD was significantly higher than that in RTR patients (p=0.013). IL-6 levels in both groups were significantly higher than those in controls (p=0.001 and p= 0.012, respectively). In HD group a negative correlation was found between FGF-23 and sTWEAK (r= 0.375, p=0.041); there were also a significant correlation between FGF-23 and IL-6 (r= 0.480, p= 0.007) and between IL-6 and sTWEAK (r= 0.409, p=0.025). We found that serum sTWEAK is decreased and FGF-23 is increased in HD and RTR groups comparing with the control group. However, further studies are needed to shed light over their direct role on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular outcomes.

Study of alpha hemoglobin stabilizing protein expression in patients with β thalassemia and sickle cell anemia and its impact on clinical severity.

PubMed

Mahmoud, Hanan Mohamed; Shoeib, Ahmed Al-Saiid Hamed; Abd El Ghany, Shereen Mohamed; Reda, Marwa Mohamed; Ragab, Iman Ahmed

2015-12-01

The α hemoglobin stabilizing protein (AHSP) binds α-Hb and prevents its precipitation limiting free α-Hb toxicities. Our aim was to study AHSP expression in β thalassemia syndromes in relation to their clinical severity and to compare it with its level in sickle cell anemia. We compared patients with β-thalassemia (n=37) (β-thalassemia major (BTM) (n=19) and β-thalassemia intermedia (BTI) (n=18)) with 12 patients with sickle cell anemia as regards clinical severity, age at presentation, transfusion dependency, mean pre-transfusion hemoglobin level, use of hydroxyurea and AHSP expression by real time quantitative PCR. Median (and IQR) AHSP expression was significantly higher in patients with sickle cell anemia 2275 (3898) compared to thalassemia 283 (718), P=0.001, with no significant difference between BTM and BTI (P=0.346). It was also significantly higher in non-transfusion dependent patients with β thalassemia (NTDT) compared to transfusion dependent ones (P=0.019), and in patients on hydroxyurea therapy (P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in its level according to clinical severity score (P=0.946) or splenectomy status (P=0.145). AHSP expression was higher in patients with sickle cell anemia versus thalassemia, with no significant difference between BTM and BTI. Expression was higher in patients with NTDT and on hydroxyurea therapy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Obesity-related insulin resistance in adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

PubMed

Thota, P; Perez-Lopez, F R; Benites-Zapata, V A; Pasupuleti, V; Hernandez, A V

2017-03-01

Insulin resistance is common among obese adolescents; however, the extent of this problem is not clear. We conducted a systematic review of PubMed-Medline, CINAHL, The Web of Science, EMBASE and Scopus for observational studies evaluating components defining insulin resistance (insulin, C-peptide and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) in obese adolescents (12-18 years) versus non-obese adolescents. Our systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines. Data were combined using a random-effects model and summary statistics were calculated using the mean differences (MDs). 31 studies were included (n = 8655). In 26 studies, fasting insulin levels were higher in obese adolescents when compared to non-obese adolescents (MD = 64.11 pmol/L, 95%CI 49.48-78.75, p < 0.00001). In three studies, fasting C-peptide levels were higher in obese adolescents when compared to non-obese adolescents (MD = 0.29 nmol/L, 95%CI 0.22-0.36, p < 0.00001). In 24 studies, HOMA-IR values were higher in obese adolescents when compared to non-obese adolescents (MD = 2.22, 95%CI 1.78-2.67, p < 0.00001). Heterogeneity of effects among studies was moderate to high. Subgroup analyses showed similar results to the main analyses. Circulating insulin and C-peptide levels and HOMA-IR values were significantly higher in obese adolescents compared to those non-obese.

No simple answers for the Finnish and Russian Karelia allergy contrast: Methylation of CD14 gene.

PubMed

Khoo, Siew-Kim; Mäkelä, Mika; Chandler, David; Schultz, En Nee; Jamieson, Sarra E; Goldblatt, Jack; Haahtela, Tari; LeSouëf, Peter; Zhang, Guicheng

2016-11-01

Finnish and Russian Karelian children have a highly contrasting occurrence of asthma and allergy. In these two environments, we studied associations between total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) with methylation levels in cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14). Five hundred Finnish and Russian Karelian children were included in four groups: Finnish children with high IgE (n = 126) and low IgE (n = 124) as well as Russian children with high IgE (n = 125) and low IgE (n = 125). DNA was extracted from whole blood cells and pyrosequenced. Three CpG sites were selected in the promoter region of CD14. Methylation levels in two of the three CpG sites were higher in the Finnish compared to Russian Karelian children. In the promoter area of CD14, the Finnish compared to Russian children with low IgE had a significant (p < 0.0001) increase in methylation levels at the Amp5Site 2. Likewise, the Finnish compared to Russian children with high IgE had a significant (p = 0.003) increase in methylation levels at the Amp5Site 3. In Russian children with low vs. high IgE, there were significant differences in methylation levels, but this was not the case on the Finnish side. In the regression analysis, adding the methylation variation of CD14 to the model did not explain the higher asthma and allergy risk in the Finnish children. The methylation levels in the promoter region of CD14 gene were higher in the Finnish compared to Russian Karelian children. However, the methylation variation of this candidate gene did not explain the asthma and allergy contrast between these two areas. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Among Farmers: The HUNT Study, Norway

PubMed Central

Torske, Magnhild Oust; Hilt, Bjørn; Glasscock, David; Lundqvist, Peter; Krokstad, Steinar

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Agriculture has undergone profound changes, and farmers face a wide variety of stressors. Our aim was to study the levels of anxiety and depression symptoms among Norwegian farmers compared with other occupational groups. Working participants in the HUNT3 Survey (The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, 2006–2008), aged 19–66.9 years, were included in this cross-sectional study. We compared farmers (women, n = 317; men, n = 1,100) with HUNT3 participants working in other occupational groups (women, n = 13,429; men, n = 10,026), classified according to socioeconomic status. We used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to measure anxiety and depression symptoms. Both male and female farmers had higher levels of depression symptoms than the general working population, but the levels of anxiety symptoms did not differ. The differences in depression symptom levels between farmers and the general working population increased with age. In an age-adjusted logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio (OR) for depression caseness (HADS-D ≥8) when compared with the general working population was 1.49 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22–1.83) in men and 1.29 (95% CI: 0.85–1.95) in women. Male farmers had a higher OR of depression caseness than any other occupational group (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.52–2.49, using higher-grade professionals as reference). Female farmers had an OR similar to men (2.00, 95% CI: 1.26–3.17), but lower than other manual occupations. We found that farmers had high levels of depression symptoms and average levels of anxiety symptoms compared with other occupational groups. PMID:26488439

Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Among Farmers: The HUNT Study, Norway.

PubMed

Torske, Magnhild Oust; Hilt, Bjørn; Glasscock, David; Lundqvist, Peter; Krokstad, Steinar

2016-01-01

Agriculture has undergone profound changes, and farmers face a wide variety of stressors. Our aim was to study the levels of anxiety and depression symptoms among Norwegian farmers compared with other occupational groups. Working participants in the HUNT3 Survey (The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, 2006-2008), aged 19-66.9 years, were included in this cross-sectional study. We compared farmers (women, n = 317; men, n = 1,100) with HUNT3 participants working in other occupational groups (women, n = 13,429; men, n = 10,026), classified according to socioeconomic status. We used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to measure anxiety and depression symptoms. Both male and female farmers had higher levels of depression symptoms than the general working population, but the levels of anxiety symptoms did not differ. The differences in depression symptom levels between farmers and the general working population increased with age. In an age-adjusted logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio (OR) for depression caseness (HADS-D ≥8) when compared with the general working population was 1.49 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-1.83) in men and 1.29 (95% CI: 0.85-1.95) in women. Male farmers had a higher OR of depression caseness than any other occupational group (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.52-2.49, using higher-grade professionals as reference). Female farmers had an OR similar to men (2.00, 95% CI: 1.26-3.17), but lower than other manual occupations. We found that farmers had high levels of depression symptoms and average levels of anxiety symptoms compared with other occupational groups.

Alteration of apoptosis-related genes in postmenopausal women with uterine prolapse.

PubMed

Saatli, Bahadir; Kizildag, Sefa; Cagliyan, Erkan; Dogan, Erbil; Saygili, Ugur

2014-07-01

We aimed to compare expression levels of antiapoptotic and proapoptotic genes in parametrial and vaginal tissues from postmenopausal women with and without pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We hypothesized that the expression of genes that induce apoptosis may be altered in vaginal and parametrial tissues in postmenopausal women with POP. Samples of vaginal and parametrial tissues were obtained from postmenopausal women with (n = 10) and without (n = 10) POP who underwent vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy. Expression levels of antiapoptotic (BCL-2, BCL-XL) and proapoptotic (BAX, BAD) genes were studied by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Gene expression levels of BCL-2 (P < 0.001), BCL-XL (P < 0.001), BAX (p = 0.001), and BAD (p = 0.004) were all higher in vaginal tissues from the POP group compared with the non-POP group. Similarly, gene expression levels of BCL-2 (p < 0.001), BCL-XL (p < 0.001), BAX (p < 0.001), and BAD (p < 0.001) in parametrial tissues were also significantly higher in the POP group compared with the non-POP group. Additionally, expression levels of BCL-2 (p = 0.05), BCL-XL (p < 0.05), BAX (p = 0.05), and BAD (p = 0.07) in the POP group were higher in parametrial tissue than in vaginal tissue samples. Antiapoptotic and proapoptotic gene expression levels differed significantly between postmenopausal women with and without POP. Bcl-2 family genes were overexpressed in the parametrium of patients with POP compared with vaginal tissue, suggesting that the processes responsible for POP have a greater effect on parametrial tissue than vaginal tissue during the development of POP.

Total energy expenditure in the Yakut (Sakha) of Siberia as measured by the doubly labeled water method.

PubMed

Snodgrass, J Josh; Leonard, William R; Tarskaia, Larissa A; Schoeller, Dale A

2006-10-01

Populations in transition to a Western lifestyle display increased incidences of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases; the mechanisms responsible for these changes, however, remain incompletely understood. Although reduced physical activity has been implicated, few studies have accurately quantified energy expenditure in subsistence populations. The aim of the study was to examine the relation of total energy expenditure (TEE) and activity [physical activity level (PAL), activity energy expenditure (AEE), and weight-adjusted AEE (AEE/kg)] with body composition and lifestyle in the Yakut (Sakha), an indigenous high-latitude Siberian group. We measured TEE using doubly labeled water and resting metabolic rate using indirect calorimetry in 28 young adults (14 women and 14 men) from Berdygestiakh, Russia. The men had higher TEE (12,983 compared with 9620 kJ/d; P < 0.01), AEE (5248 compared with 3203 kJ/d; P < 0.05), AEE/kg (72.7 compared with 48.8 kJ . kg(-1) . d(-1); P < 0.05), and PAL (1.7 compared with 1.5; P = 0.09) than did the women, although this may reflect, in part, body size and composition differences. Overweight men and women had modestly higher TEEs than did lean participants; when adjusted for body size, activity levels were not significantly different between the groups. Persons with more traditional lifestyles had higher TEEs and PALs than did persons with more modernized lifestyles; this difference correlated with differences in participation in subsistence activities. Activity levels in the Yakut were lower than those in other subsistence groups, especially the women, and were not significantly different from those in persons in industrialized nations. Persons who participated in more subsistence activities and consumed fewer market foods had significantly higher activity levels.

Commensurability condition and hierarchy of fillings for FQHE in higher Landau levels in conventional 2DEG systems and in graphene—monolayer and bilayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacak, Janusz; Jacak, Lucjan

2016-01-01

The structure of the filling rate hierarchy referred to as the fractional quantum Hall effect is studied in higher Landau levels using the commensurability condition. The hierarchy of fillings that are derived in this manner is consistent with the experimental observations of the first three Landau levels in conventional semiconductor Hall systems. The relative poverty of the fractional structure in higher Landau levels compared with the lowest Landau level is explained using commensurability topological arguments. The commensurability criterion for correlated states for higher Landau levels (with n≥slant 1) including the paired states at half fillings of the spin-subbands of these levels is formulated. The commensurability condition is applied to determine the hierarchy of the fractional fillings of Landau levels in the monolayer and bilayer graphene. Good agreement with current experimental observations of fractional quantum Hall effect in the graphene monolayer and bilayer is achieved. The presence of even denominator rates in the hierarchy for fractional quantum Hall effect in the bilayer graphene is also explained.

Socioeconomic Disparities in Dietary and Physical Activity Habits of Iranian Children and Adolescents: the CASPIAN-IV Study.

PubMed

Kelishadi, Roya; Qorbani, Mostafa; Motlagh, Mohammad Esmaeil; Ardalan, Gelayol; Heshmat, Ramin; Hovsepian, Silva

2016-08-01

This study aims to compare the dietary and physical activity (PA) habits in a nationally representative sample of Iranian children and adolescents based on their family and regional socioeconomic status (SES). This nationwide study was conducted on 14,880 students, aged 6-18 years, and one of their parents living in urban and rural areas of 30 provinces in Iran. Data regarding PA, screen time and dietary habits were recorded using two sets of questionnaires for both students and their parents. The results were compared according to the SES of the family and the living region. Overall, 13,486 students completed the study (90.6% participation rate) with a mean age of 12.5 (95% CI: 12.3-12.6) years. Comparing family SES, the level of PA was similar in the three SES groups. The total screen time, working computer with and watching TV was significantly higher in those with higher family SES (P < 0.05). Consumption of meat, dairy products, rice, fruit, and vegetables was significantly higher in families with higher SES. Consumption of salty snacks and sweet drinks was significantly lower in families with higher SES level. Sedentary lifestyle was more prevalent in regions with higher SES. The dietary habits of inhabitants of regions with low SES was similar to that reported for individuals with low family SES. Both family and regional SES might impact lifestyle habits from early life. Participants with higher SES had healthier dietary habits but lower PA level than their counterparts with lower SES. Socioeconomic disparities should be considered for public health interventions aiming to improve lifestyle habits.

Serum Uric Acid Levels and Uric Acid/Creatinine Ratios in Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients: Are These Parameters Efficient Predictors of Patients at Risk for Exacerbation and/or Severity of Disease?

PubMed

Durmus Kocak, Nagihan; Sasak, Gulsah; Aka Akturk, Ulku; Akgun, Metin; Boga, Sibel; Sengul, Aysun; Gungor, Sinem; Arinc, Sibel

2016-11-03

BACKGROUND Serum uric acid (sUA) levels were previously found to be correlated with hypoxic states. We aimed to determine the levels of sUA and sUA/creatinine ratios in stable COPD patients and to evaluate whether sUA level and sUA/creatinine ratio can be used as predictors of exacerbation risk and disease severity. MATERIAL AND METHODS This cross-sectional study included stable COPD patients and healthy controls. The sUA levels and sUA/creatinine ratios in each group were evaluated and their correlations with the study parameters were investigated. ROC analyses for exacerbation risk and disease severity were reported. RESULTS The study included 110 stable COPD patients and 52 healthy controls. The mean sUA levels and sUA/creatinine ratios were significantly higher in patients with COPD compared to healthy controls. The most common comorbidities in COPD patients were hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease. While sUA levels were significantly higher in patients with hypertension (p=0.002) and malignancy (p=0.033), sUA/creatinine ratios was higher in patients with malignancy (p=0.004). The ROC analyses indicated that sUA/creatinine ratios can be more useful than sUA levels in predicting exacerbation risk (AUC, 0.586 vs. 0.426) and disease severity (AUC, 0.560 vs. 0.475) especially at higher cut-off values, but with low specificity. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggested that sUA levels and sUA/creatinine ratios increased in patients with stable COPD, especially among patients with certain comorbidities compared to healthy controls. At higher cut-off values, sUA levels and especially sUA/creatinine ratios, might be useful in predicting COPD exacerbation risk and disease severity. Also, their association with comorbidities, especially with malignancy and hypertension, may benefit from further investigation.

Site, gender and age variation in normal skin colour on the back and the forearm: tristimulus colorimeter measurements.

PubMed

Fullerton, A; Serup, J

1997-02-01

To study whether anatomical location and age and gender of subjects had any influence on the objective skin colour measurements. Baseline colour in prone position was measured with the Minolta ChromaMeter® in the upper, middle and lower level of the upper back and on the forearm of 168 volunteers. These two sites are commonly used in skin testing. Higher basal a* and lower basal L* levels were found on the upper scapular region compared to the lower scapular region and the subscapular region. The basal b* level showed no variation relative to site. The basal a* and the basal b* levels were lower on the forearm compared to the upper back while the basal L* level was higher. Females above 65 years showed a less coloured skin with lower values as compared to those of younger age. Females were found to have a generally lower basal a* level than males both on the upper back and forearm skin. These relatively major differences and sources of variation have to be considered when planning irritancy studies where colour differences between erythema and normal skin is used.

Comparison of Urinary Biomarkers of Exposure in Humans Using Electronic Cigarettes, Combustible Cigarettes, and Smokeless Tobacco.

PubMed

Lorkiewicz, Pawel; Riggs, Daniel W; Keith, Rachel J; Conklin, Daniel J; Xie, Zhengzhi; Sutaria, Saurin; Lynch, Blake; Srivastava, Sanjay; Bhatnagar, Aruni

2018-06-02

Cigarette smoking is associated with an increase in cardiovascular disease risk, attributable in part to reactive volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). However, little is known about the extent of VOC exposure due to the use of other tobacco products. We recruited 48 healthy, tobacco users in four groups: cigarette, smokeless tobacco, occasional users of first generation e-cigarette and e-cigarette menthol and 12 healthy nontobacco users. After abstaining for 48 h, tobacco users used an assigned product. Urine was collected at baseline followed by five collections over a 3-h period to measure urinary metabolites of VOCs, nicotine, and tobacco alkaloids. Urinary levels of nicotine were ≃2-fold lower in occasional e-cigarette and smokeless tobacco users than in the cigarette smokers; cotinine and 3-hydroxycotinine levels were similar in all groups. Compared with nontobacco users, e-cigarette users had higher levels of urinary metabolites of xylene, cyanide, styrene, ethylbenzene, and benzene at baseline and elevated urinary levels of metabolites of xylene, N,N-dimethylformamide, and acrylonitrile after e-cigarette use. Metabolites of acrolein, crotonaldehyde, and 1,3-butadiene were significantly higher in smokers than in users of other products or nontobacco users. VOC metabolite levels in smokeless tobacco group were comparable to those found in nonusers with the exception of xylene metabolite-2-methylhippuric acid (2MHA), which was almost three fold higher than in nontobacco users. Smoking results in exposure to a range of VOCs at concentrations higher than those observed with other products, and first generation e-cigarette use is associated with elevated levels of N,N-dimethylformamide and xylene metabolites. This study shows that occasional users of first generation e-cigarettes have lower levels of nicotine exposure than the users of combustible cigarettes. Compared with combustible cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco products deliver lower levels of most VOCs, with the exception of xylene, N,N-dimethylformamide, and acrylonitrile, whose metabolite levels were higher in the urine of e-cigarette users than nontobacco users. Absence of anatabine in the urine of e-cigarette users suggests that measuring urinary levels of this alkaloid may be useful in distinguishing between users of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes. However, these results have to be validated in a larger cohortcomprised of users of e-cigarettes of multiple brands.

Somatic and Depressive Symptoms in Female Japanese and American Students: A Preliminary Investigation

PubMed Central

Arnault, Denise Saint; Sakamoto, Shinji; Moriwaki, Aiko

2007-01-01

The present study examined the relationship between common somatic symptoms and depression in samples of Japanese and American college students. Fifty Japanese and 44 American women completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and rated 56 somatic-distress items for 7 days. Japanese had higher levels of somatic distress than Americans. ANOVA of somatic distress by BDI-level revealed that the High BDI Japanese group reported 26 somatic symptoms (including stomach ache, dizziness, and shoulder pain) with significantly higher means when compared with the low BDI group. High BDI Americans had a significantly higher mean for joint pain compared to the Low BDI group. The importance of the body in transcultural psychiatry is explored, and implications for primary and mental health care are discussed. PMID:16893876

Compulsive Buying Behavior: Clinical Comparison with Other Behavioral Addictions

PubMed Central

Granero, Roser; Fernández-Aranda, Fernando; Mestre-Bach, Gemma; Steward, Trevor; Baño, Marta; del Pino-Gutiérrez, Amparo; Moragas, Laura; Mallorquí-Bagué, Núria; Aymamí, Neus; Gómez-Peña, Mónica; Tárrega, Salomé; Menchón, José M.; Jiménez-Murcia, Susana

2016-01-01

Compulsive buying behavior (CBB) has been recognized as a prevalent mental health disorder, yet its categorization into classification systems remains unsettled. The objective of this study was to assess the sociodemographic and clinic variables related to the CBB phenotype compared to other behavioral addictions. Three thousand three hundred and twenty four treatment-seeking patients were classified in five groups: CBB, sexual addiction, Internet gaming disorder, Internet addiction, and gambling disorder. CBB was characterized by a higher proportion of women, higher levels of psychopathology, and higher levels in the personality traits of novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence, persistence, and cooperativeness compared to other behavioral addictions. Results outline the heterogeneity in the clinical profiles of patients diagnosed with different behavioral addiction subtypes and shed new light on the primary mechanisms of CBB. PMID:27378999

Compulsive Buying Behavior: Clinical Comparison with Other Behavioral Addictions.

PubMed

Granero, Roser; Fernández-Aranda, Fernando; Mestre-Bach, Gemma; Steward, Trevor; Baño, Marta; Del Pino-Gutiérrez, Amparo; Moragas, Laura; Mallorquí-Bagué, Núria; Aymamí, Neus; Gómez-Peña, Mónica; Tárrega, Salomé; Menchón, José M; Jiménez-Murcia, Susana

2016-01-01

Compulsive buying behavior (CBB) has been recognized as a prevalent mental health disorder, yet its categorization into classification systems remains unsettled. The objective of this study was to assess the sociodemographic and clinic variables related to the CBB phenotype compared to other behavioral addictions. Three thousand three hundred and twenty four treatment-seeking patients were classified in five groups: CBB, sexual addiction, Internet gaming disorder, Internet addiction, and gambling disorder. CBB was characterized by a higher proportion of women, higher levels of psychopathology, and higher levels in the personality traits of novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence, persistence, and cooperativeness compared to other behavioral addictions. Results outline the heterogeneity in the clinical profiles of patients diagnosed with different behavioral addiction subtypes and shed new light on the primary mechanisms of CBB.

Fish consumption and risk of contamination by mercury---considerations on the definition of edible parts based on the case study of European sea bass.

PubMed

Mieiro, C L; Pacheco, M; Duarte, A C; Pereira, M E

2011-12-01

In the present study, the risk to humans by consuming European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), captured at three sites along a Hg contamination gradient, was evaluated by comparing muscle and kidney total Hg (T-Hg) levels with the European regulations for marketed fish. Moreover, T-Hg and organic Hg (O-Hg) levels in muscle were compared with the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) and the Reference Dose (RfD). Although T-Hg levels in muscle were below the European value allowable for marketed fish, kidney's levels were higher than the set value, stressing the importance of redefining the concept of edible tissue and which tissues should be considered. Mercury weekly ingestion in the contaminated areas was higher than the PTWI, and O-Hg daily ingestion rates were higher than the RfD in all sampling sites. Thus, populations consuming sea bass from the contaminated sites may be at risk, with particular relevance for children and pregnant women. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Comparative Study of Directly Selected, In-Service Promoted and Online Selected Subject Specialists Regarding Teaching Effectiveness in Kohat Division, Pakistan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Suleman, Qaiser; Gul, Rizwana

2015-01-01

The main objective of the study was to compare the teaching effectiveness of directly selected, in-service promoted and online selected subject specialists teaching at higher secondary school level in Kohat Division, Pakistan. The target population of the study was the higher secondary school students in Kohat Division, Pakistan. A sample of 600…

Race, Serum Potassium, and Associations With ESRD and Mortality.

PubMed

Chen, Yan; Sang, Yingying; Ballew, Shoshana H; Tin, Adrienne; Chang, Alex R; Matsushita, Kunihiro; Coresh, Josef; Kalantar-Zadeh, Kamyar; Molnar, Miklos Z; Grams, Morgan E

2017-08-01

Recent studies suggest that potassium levels may differ by race. The basis for these differences and whether associations between potassium levels and adverse outcomes differ by race are unknown. Observational study. Associations between race and potassium level and the interaction of race and potassium level with outcomes were investigated in the Racial and Cardiovascular Risk Anomalies in Chronic Kidney Disease (RCAV) Study, a cohort of US veterans (N=2,662,462). Associations between African ancestry and potassium level were investigated in African Americans in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study (N=3,450). Race (African American vs non-African American and percent African ancestry) for cross-sectional analysis; serum potassium level for longitudinal analysis. Potassium level for cross-sectional analysis; mortality and end-stage renal disease for longitudinal analysis. The RCAV cohort was 18% African American (N=470,985). Potassium levels on average were 0.162mmol/L lower in African Americans compared with non-African Americans, with differences persisting after adjustment for demographics, comorbid conditions, and potassium-altering medication use. In the ARIC Study, higher African ancestry was related to lower potassium levels (-0.027mmol/L per each 10% African ancestry). In both race groups, higher and lower potassium levels were associated with mortality. Compared to potassium level of 4.2mmol/L, mortality risk associated with lower potassium levels was lower in African Americans versus non-African Americans, whereas mortality risk associated with higher levels was slightly greater. Risk relationships between potassium and end-stage renal disease were weaker, with no difference by race. No data for potassium intake. African Americans had slightly lower serum potassium levels than non-African Americans. Consistent associations between potassium levels and percent African ancestry may suggest a genetic component to these differences. Higher and lower serum potassium levels were associated with mortality in both racial groups. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mushrooms: A rich source of the antioxidants ergothioneine and glutathione.

PubMed

Kalaras, Michael D; Richie, John P; Calcagnotto, Ana; Beelman, Robert B

2017-10-15

While mushrooms are the highest dietary source for the unique sulfur-containing antioxidant ergothioneine, little is known regarding levels of the major biological antioxidant glutathione. Thus, our objectives were to determine and compare levels of glutathione, as well as ergothioneine, in different species of mushrooms. Glutathione levels varied >20-fold (0.11-2.41mg/gdw) with some varieties having higher levels than reported for other foods. Ergothioneine levels also varied widely (0.15-7.27mg/gdw) and were highly correlated with those of glutathione (r=0.62, P<0.001). Both antioxidants were more concentrated in pileus than stipe tissues in selected mushrooms species. Agaricus bisporus harvested during the third cropping flush contained higher levels of ergothioneine and glutathione compared to the first flush, possibly as a response to increased oxidative stress. This study demonstrated that certain mushroom species are high in glutathione and ergothioneine and should be considered an excellent dietary source of these important antioxidants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sexual Maturity and Life Stage Influences Toxic Metal Accumulation in Croatian Brown Bears.

PubMed

Lazarus, Maja; Sekovanić, Ankica; Orct, Tatjana; Reljić, Slaven; Jurasović, Jasna; Huber, Đuro

2018-02-01

The influence of reproductive and (early) life stages on toxic metal levels was investigated in the brown bear (Ursus arctos), the largest mammalian predator species in Croatia. The purpose was to examine critical clusters in a population that might be at a higher risk of adverse health effects caused by metals as environmental contaminants. Levels of cadmium, mercury and lead in muscle, liver and kidney cortex of 325 male and 139 female bears, quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, were analysed according to distinct bear life stages (young: cub, yearling, subadult; mature: adult). Metal levels did not differ among sexes in young animals (< 4 years), except for mercury in muscles (higher in females), and adult females had higher cadmium and mercury. A trend of renal cadmium accumulation with age in immature male animals disappeared once they reached maturity, whereas for females this trend has only slowly declined in mature compared to immature bears. In early life stage (< 1 year), bear cubs had lower cadmium, comparable mercury, and higher lead in the kidneys than the bears of the following age category (yearlings). Due to a higher proportion of renal lead transfer from the mother to the cub compared with cadmium, it may be that the high burden of cadmium found in kidneys of older females has lower toxicological concern for their cubs than the lead content. Sex, reproductive, and life stages of bears were confirmed as important in assessing toxic metal burden.

Measurement of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus could predict renal manifestation of the disease.

PubMed

Brugos, Boglarka; Kiss, Emese; Dul, Csaba; Gubisch, Wolfgang; Szegedi, Gyula; Sipka, Sandor; Zeher, Margit

2010-09-01

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is a good indicator of disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Glucocorticosteroids are the most frequently used drugs in SLE. Our goal was to compare IL-1Ra activity in SLE patients with and without renal involvement and to determine the effect of different dosage of glucocorticosteroids used in 17 patients with active SLE without nephritis, 7 patients with inactive lupus nephritis (LN), and 8 patients with active LN, along with 10 healthy controls. IL-1Ra levels were measured in the serum of SLE patients by Human Luminex [100] analyzer. Both in patients with active SLE without nephritis and in patients with LN, serum levels of IL-1Ra (p<0.001) were significantly higher compared with those in the controls. IL-1Ra was significantly higher in patients with active LN than in patients with inactive LN (p = 0.028). The use of methylprednisolone was significantly higher in the active LN group compared with the inactive LN group (p = 0.013). SLE patients with higher IL-1Ra are at lower risk for developing nephritis. The higher doses of glucocorticosteroids needed in active LN could be due to steroid resistance and IL-1Ra polymorphism. Measurement of IL-1Ra levels in SLE patients could help to predict future renal involvement. Copyright 2010 American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PCOS women show significantly higher homocysteine level, independent to glucose and E2 level

PubMed Central

Eskandari, Zahra; Sadrkhanlou, Rajab-Ali; Nejati, Vahid; Tizro, Gholamreza

2016-01-01

Background: It is reasonable to think that some biochemical characteristics of follicular fluid (FF) surrounding the oocyte may play a critical role in determining the quality of oocyte and the subsequent potential needed to achieve fertilization and embryo development. Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the levels of FF homocysteine (Hcy) in IVF candidate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women and any relationships with FF glucose and estradiol (E2) levels. Materials and Methods: In this case control study which was performed in Dr. Tizro Day Care and IVF Center 70 infertile patients were enrolled in two groups: comprising 35 PCOS and 35 non PCOS women. Long protocol was performed for all patients. FF Hcy, glucose and E2 levels were analyzed at the time of oocyte retrieval. Results: It was observed that FF Hcy level was significantly higher in PCOS patients compared with non PCOSs (p<0.01). Observations demonstrated that in PCOS group, the Hcy level increased independent to E2, glucose levels, BMI and age, while the PCOS group showed significantly higher BMI compared with non-PCOS group (p=0.03). However, no significant differences were revealed between groups for FF glucose and E2 levels. Conclusion: Present data showed that although FF glucose and E2 levels were constant in PCOS and non PCOS patients, but the FF Hcy levels in PCOS were significantly increased (p=0.01). PMID:27679823

Applying the Varieties of Capitalism Approach to Higher Education: Comparing the Internationalisation of German and British Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graf, Lukas

2009-01-01

In recent years, the global market for higher education has expanded rapidly, while internationalisation strategies have been developed at university, national and European levels to increase the competitiveness of higher education institutions. This article asks how institutional settings prevailing in national models of capitalism motivate…

Comparing Episodes of Mathematics Teaching for Higher Achievers in England and Germany

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Peter; Kotthoff, Hans-Georg

2016-01-01

To illustrate similarities and differences in lower secondary level mathematics teaching with higher achievers and thereby explore privileging processes, we contrast a teaching episode in Baden-Württemberg, Germany with one in South West England. These have been selected from a larger study as typical within each region for higher achieving…

The impact of borderline personality disorder and sub-threshold borderline personality disorder on the course of self-reported and clinician-rated depression in self-harming adolescents.

PubMed

Ramleth, Ruth-Kari; Groholt, Berit; Diep, Lien M; Walby, Fredrik A; Mehlum, Lars

2017-01-01

Studies on adults suggest that the presence of comorbid depression and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is associated with an elevated risk of self-harming behaviours and that self-harming behaviours, when present, will have higher severity. This comorbidity, furthermore, complicates clinical assessments, which may be an obstacle to early identification and proper intervention. Adolescents who self-harm frequently report high levels of depressive symptoms, but this is often not reflected in the clinicians' assessment. BPD is still a controversial diagnosis in young people, and less is known about the clinical significance of comorbid BPD in adolescent populations.The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of BPD on the assessment and course of self-reported and clinician-rated depression in self-harming adolescents before and after a treatment period of 19 weeks. We hypothesized that, compared to adolescents without BPD, adolescents with BPD would self-report higher levels of depression at baseline, and that they would have less reduction in depressive symptoms. A total of 39 adolescents with depressive disorders and BPD-traits participating in a randomised controlled trial on treatment of self-harm with Dialectical Behaviour Therapy adapted for Adolescents or enhanced usual care were included. Adolescents with full-syndrome BPD ( n  = 10) were compared with adolescents with sub-threshold BPD ( n  = 29) with respect to their self-reported and clinician-rated depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation and global level of functioning at baseline, and after 19 weeks of treatment (end of trial period). At baseline, adolescents with full-syndrome BPD self-reported significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation compared to adolescents with sub-threshold BPD, whereas the two groups were rated as equally depressed by the clinicians. At trial completion, all participants had a significant reduction in suicidal ideation, however, adolescents with BPD had a poorer treatment outcome in terms of significantly higher levels of clinician-rated and self-reported depressive symptoms and significantly lower levels of global functioning. At baseline as well as at trial completion, self-reported and clinician-rated levels of depressive symptoms were not significantly correlated in adolescents with BPD. In a multiple linear regression analysis, a diagnosis of BPD and a high baseline level of clinician-rated depressive symptoms predicted higher levels of depressive symptoms at trial completion, whereas receiving Dialectical Behaviour Therapy predicted lower levels of depressive symptoms. Our findings suggest that a diagnosis of BPD may have a strong impact on the assessment and course of depressive symptoms in self-harming adolescents. Although rated as equally depressed, adolescents with BPD self-reported significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation at baseline, and showed a poorer outcome in terms of higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower levels of global functioning at trial completion compared to adolescents with sub-threshold BPD. Our findings suggest that receiving Dialectical Behaviour Therapy could lead to a greater reduction in depressive symptoms, although firm conclusions cannot be drawn given the limited sample size.Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of underestimating the severity of depression in the context of emotional and behavioral dysregulation. Providing BPD specific treatments seems to be important to achieve sufficient treatment response with regard to depressive symptoms in adolescents with BPD-traits. Treatment for Adolescents With Deliberate Self Harm; NCT00675129, registered May 2008.

Selected Biomarkers Correlate with the Origin and Severity of Sepsis

PubMed Central

Růžková, Michaela; Stráníková, Alžběta; Bartáková, Eva; Máca, Jan; Beneš, Jiří

2018-01-01

The microbial etiology and source of sepsis influence the inflammatory response. Therefore, the plasma levels of cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10), chemokines (CCL2/MCP-1, MIP-1β), heparin-binding protein (HBP), soluble CD14 (sCD14), and cortisol were analyzed in blood from septic patients obtained during the first 96 hours of intensive care unit hospitalization. The etiology was established in 56 out of a total of 62 patients enrolled in the study. Plasma concentrations of MCP-1, sCD14, IL-6, and IL-10 were significantly higher in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP; n = 10) and infective endocarditis (IE; n = 11) compared to those with bacterial meningitis (BM; n = 18). Next, cortisol levels were higher in IE patients than in those with BM and CAP, and at one time point, cortisol was also higher in patients with gram-negative sepsis when compared to those with gram-positive infections. Furthermore, cortisol and MCP-1 levels correlated positively with the daily measured SOFA score. In addition, HBP levels were significantly higher in patients with IE than in those with BM. Our findings suggest that MCP-1, sCD14, IL-6, IL-10, cortisol, and HBP are modulated by the source of sepsis and that elevated MCP-1 and cortisol plasma levels are associated with sepsis-induced organ dysfunction. PMID:29769838

Metabolic dysregulation in first-episode schizophrenia patients with respect to genetic variation in one-carbon metabolism.

PubMed

Misiak, Błażej; Łaczmański, Łukasz; Słoka, Natalia Kinga; Szmida, Elżbieta; Piotrowski, Patryk; Loska, Olga; Ślęzak, Ryszard; Kiejna, Andrzej; Frydecka, Dorota

2016-04-30

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of metabolic disturbances in patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES) and test the hypothesis that genetic variation in one-carbon metabolism may account for metabolic dysregulation in early psychosis. We measured fasting glucose, lipid profile parameters, homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 in 135 patients with FES and 146 healthy controls (HCs). Polymorphisms in the following genes were determined: MTHFR (C677T and A1298C), MTHFD1 (G1958A), MTRR (A66G) and BHMT (G742A). Serum levels of folate and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) were significantly lower in patients with FES compared to HCs. In turn, serum levels of homocysteine and triglycerides were significantly higher in patients with FES than in HCs. Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia, low folate and HDL levels together with dyslipidemia was significantly higher in patients with FES compared to HCs. Higher homocysteine levels, lower vitamin B12 levels and the presence of metabolic syndrome were associated with higher severity of negative symptoms. None of studied polymorphisms was associated with schizophrenia risk. Several associations between studied polymorphisms and cardio-metabolic parameters were found. None of them remained significant after Bonferroni correction. Our results indicate that metabolic dysregulation in patients with FES is not associated with genetic variation in one-carbon metabolism. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Renal mitochondrial impairment is attenuated by AT1 blockade in experimental Type I diabetes.

PubMed

de Cavanagh, Elena M V; Ferder, León; Toblli, Jorge E; Piotrkowski, Bárbara; Stella, Inés; Fraga, Cesar G; Inserra, Felipe

2008-01-01

To investigate whether ANG II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor blockade could protect kidney mitochondria in streptozotocin-induced Type 1 diabetes, we treated 8-wk-old male Sprague-Dawley rats with a single streptozotocin injection (65 mg/kg ip; STZ group), streptozotocin and drinking water containing either losartan (30 mg.kg(-1).day(-1); STZ+Los group) or amlodipine (3 mg.kg(-1).day(-1); STZ+Amlo group), or saline (intraperitoneally) and pure water (control group). Four-month-long losartan or amlodipine treatments started 30 days before streptozotocin injection to improve the antioxidant defenses. The number of renal lesions, plasma glucose and lipid levels, and proteinuria were higher and creatinine clearance was lower in STZ and STZ+Amlo compared with STZ+Los and control groups. Glycemia was higher in STZ+Los compared with control. Blood pressure, basal mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial pyruvate content, and renal oxidized glutathione levels were higher and NADH/cytochrome c oxidoreductase activity was lower in STZ compared with the other groups. In STZ and STZ+Amlo groups, mitochondrial H(2)O(2) production rate was higher and uncoupling protein-2 content, cytochrome c oxidase activity, and renal glutathione level were lower than in STZ+Los and control groups. Mitochondrial nitric oxide synthase activity was higher in STZ+Amlo compared with the other groups. Mitochondrial pyruvate content and H(2)O(2) production rate negatively contributed to electron transfer capacity and positively contributed to renal lesions. Uncoupling protein-2 content negatively contributed to mitochondrial H(2)O(2) production rate and renal lesions. Renal glutathione reduction potential positively contributed to mitochondria electron transfer capacity. In conclusion, AT(1) blockade protects kidney mitochondria and kidney structure in streptozotocin-induced diabetes independently of blood pressure and glycemia.

Higher cord blood levels of fatty acids in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Djelmis, Josip; Ivaniševic, Marina; Desoye, Gernot; van Poppel, Mireille; Berberovic, Edina; Soldo, Dragan; Oreskovic, Slavko

2018-05-01

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is associated with a disturbance of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. To determine whether type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) alters maternal and neonatal fatty acid levels. Observational study. Academic hospital. Sixty pregnant women (30 women with T1DM with good glycemic control and 30 healthy women) were included in the study. Maternal blood, umbilical vein and artery blood samples were collected immediately upon delivery. Following lipid extraction, the fatty acid profiles of the total fatty acid pool of maternal serum and umbilical vein and artery serum were determined by gas chromatography. Total fatty acid concentration in maternal serum did not differ between the study groups; it was significantly higher in umbilical vein serum of the T1DM group compared with that in the control group, median (interquartile range), T1DM: 2126.2 (1446.4 - 3181.3), control: 1073.8 (657.5 - 2226.0); (P<0.001) and in umbilical artery vein serum T1DM: 1805.7 (1393.1 - 2125.0), control: 990.0 (643.3 - 1668.0); (P<0.001). Composition of fatty acids in umbilical vein serum fatty acids showed significantly higher concentrations of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the T1DM group than in compared with those in the control group (P=0.001). Also cord blood levels of leptin (P<0.001), C-peptide (P<0.001), and insulin resistance (P=0.015) were higher in the T1DM group compared to controls. The neonates born to T1DM mothers had higher concentrations of total fatty acids, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids, compared to control group newborns.

The Diagnostic Value of Pulsed Wave Tissue Doppler Imaging in Asymptomatic Beta- Thalassemia Major Children and Young Adults; Relation to Chemical Biomarkers of Left Ventricular Function and Iron Overload

PubMed Central

Ragab, Seham M; Fathy, Waleed M; El-Aziz, Walaa FAbd; Helal, Rasha T

2015-01-01

Background Cardiac iron toxicity is the leading cause of death among β-halassaemia major (TM) patients. Once heart failure becomes overt, it is difficult to reverse. Objectives To investigate non-overt cardiac dysfunctions in TM patients using pulsed wave Tissue Doppler Imaging (TD I) and its relation to iron overload and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Methods Thorough clinical, conventional echo and pulsed wave TDI parameters were compared between asymptomatic 25 β-TM patients and 20 age and gender matched individuals. Serum ferritin and plasma BNP levels were assayed by ELISA. Results TM patients had significant higher mitral inflow early diastolic (E) wave and non significant other conventional echo parameters. In the patient group, pulsed wave TDI revealed systolic dysfunctions, in the form of significant higher isovolumetric contraction time (ICT), and lower ejection time (E T), with diastolic dysfunction in the form of higher isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), and lower mitral annulus early diastolic velocity E′ (12.07 ±2.06 vs 15.04±2.65, P= 0.003) compared to the controls. Plasma BNP was higher in patients compared to the controls. Plasma BNP and serum ferritin had a significant correlation with each other and with pulsed wave conventional and TDI indices of systolic and diastolic functions. Patients with E/E′ ≥ 8 had significant higher serum ferritin and plasma BNP levels compared to those with ratio < 8 without a difference in Hb levels. Conclusion Pulsed wave TDI is an important diagnostic tool for latent cardiac dysfunction in iron-loaded TM patients and is related to iron overload and BNP. PMID:26401240

The Diagnostic Value of Pulsed Wave Tissue Doppler Imaging in Asymptomatic Beta- Thalassemia Major Children and Young Adults; Relation to Chemical Biomarkers of Left Ventricular Function and Iron Overload.

PubMed

Ragab, Seham M; Fathy, Waleed M; El-Aziz, Walaa FAbd; Helal, Rasha T

2015-01-01

Cardiac iron toxicity is the leading cause of death among β-halassaemia major (TM) patients. Once heart failure becomes overt, it is difficult to reverse. To investigate non-overt cardiac dysfunctions in TM patients using pulsed wave Tissue Doppler Imaging (TD I) and its relation to iron overload and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Thorough clinical, conventional echo and pulsed wave TDI parameters were compared between asymptomatic 25 β-TM patients and 20 age and gender matched individuals. Serum ferritin and plasma BNP levels were assayed by ELISA. TM patients had significant higher mitral inflow early diastolic (E) wave and non significant other conventional echo parameters. In the patient group, pulsed wave TDI revealed systolic dysfunctions, in the form of significant higher isovolumetric contraction time (ICT), and lower ejection time (E T), with diastolic dysfunction in the form of higher isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), and lower mitral annulus early diastolic velocity E' (12.07 ±2.06 vs 15.04±2.65, P= 0.003) compared to the controls. Plasma BNP was higher in patients compared to the controls. Plasma BNP and serum ferritin had a significant correlation with each other and with pulsed wave conventional and TDI indices of systolic and diastolic functions. Patients with E/E' ≥ 8 had significant higher serum ferritin and plasma BNP levels compared to those with ratio < 8 without a difference in Hb levels. Pulsed wave TDI is an important diagnostic tool for latent cardiac dysfunction in iron-loaded TM patients and is related to iron overload and BNP.

Changes in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma activity in children with septic shock.

PubMed

Kaplan, Jennifer M; Denenberg, Alvin; Monaco, Marie; Nowell, Marchele; Wong, Hector; Zingarelli, Basilia

2010-01-01

To assess changes in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from critically ill children with sepsis. Additionally, to investigate the effects of sepsis on the endogenous activator of PPARgamma, 15-deoxy-(12,14)-PGJ(2) (15d-PGJ(2)), and the downstream targets of PPARgamma activity, adiponectin and resistin. Single-center, prospective case-control study in critically ill children with systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis or septic shock. PPARgamma nuclear protein expression was decreased but PPARgamma activity was increased in PBMC from children with septic shock compared with controls. PPARgamma activity on day 1 was significantly higher in patients with higher pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) score compared with controls [mean 0.22 optical density (OD) +/- standard error of the mean (SEM) 0.03 versus 0.12 OD +/- 0.02; p < 0.001]. Patients with resolved sepsis had increased levels of the endogenous PPARgamma ligand, 15d-PGJ(2), compared with patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and septic shock (77.7 +/- 21.7 versus 58 +/- 16.5 pg/ml; p = 0.03). Plasma high-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMWA) and resistin levels were increased in patients with septic shock on day 1 and were significantly higher in patients with higher PRISM scores. Nonsurvivors from sepsis had higher resistin levels on the first day of hospitalization compared with survivors from septic shock [660 ng/ml, interquartile range (IQR) 585-833 ng/ml versus 143 ng/ml, IQR 66-342 ng/ml; p < 0.05]. Sepsis is associated with altered PPARgamma expression and activity in PBMC. Plasma adipokines correlate with risk of mortality scores in sepsis and may be useful biomarkers. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms underlying changes in PPARgamma in sepsis.

CD30, a marker to detect the high-risk kidney transplant recipients.

PubMed

Spiridon, Camelia; Nikaein, Afzal; Lerman, Mark; Hunt, Judson; Dickerman, Richard; Mack, Michael

2008-01-01

Sensitization of potential renal transplant recipients may impact the selection of donors and the outcome of transplant. Another element of the potential kidney transplant recipient immune system that provides useful information regarding the transplant outcome is the immunologic CD30 molecule. This study shows a significant correlation between the pre-transplant high level of soluble CD30 and increased incidence of post-transplant infection. Only 7/34 (20.6%) of the patients who had a low level of sCD30 (< 90 U/mL) developed infection as compared with the 25/58 (43.1%) of the patients who had a high level (> 90 U/mL) of sCD30 (p < 0.04). Higher level of sCD30 pre-transplant was also correlated with the increased level of serum creatinine (p < 0.05) and pre-transplant malignancy (p < 0.04). A significant higher level of sCD30 was also noted among females (74%), as compared with males (50%) with p < 0.03. In addition, significant effect of 3-6 human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatches on rejection was seen. These results show that higher pre-transplant immunologic reactivity measured by sCD30 level was associated with post-transplant outcome. The high level of sCD30 among females may indicate an active immunologic status, perhaps because of previous pregnancies.

Soluble CD30 and Cd27 levels in patients undergoing HLA antibody-incompatible renal transplantation.

PubMed

Hamer, Rizwan; Roche, Laura; Smillie, David; Harmer, Andrea; Mitchell, Daniel; Molostvov, Guerman; Lam, For T; Kashi, Habib; Tan, Lam Chin; Imray, Chris; Fletcher, Simon; Briggs, David; Lowe, David; Zehnder, Daniel; Higgins, Rob

2010-08-01

HLA antibody-incompatible transplantation has a higher risk of rejection when compared to standard renal transplantation. Soluble CD30 (sCD30) has been shown in many, but not all, studies to be a biomarker for risk of rejection in standard renal transplant recipients. We sought to define the value of sCD30 and soluble CD27 (sCD27) in patients receiving HLA antibody-incompatible transplants. Serum taken at different time points from 32 HLA antibody-incompatible transplant recipients was retrospectively assessed for sCD30 and sCD27 levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This was compared to episodes of acute rejection, post-transplant donor-specific antibody (DSA) levels and 12 month serum creatinine levels. No association was found between sCD27 and sCD30 levels and risk of acute rejection or DSA levels. Higher sCD30 levels at 4-6 weeks post-transplantation were associated with a higher serum creatinine at 12 months. Conclusion patients undergoing HLA antibody-incompatible transplantation are at a high risk of rejection but neither sCD30 (unlike in standard transplantation) nor sCD27 was found to be a risk factor. High sCD30 levels measured at 4-6 weeks post-transplantation was associated with poorer graft function at one year. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Corticosterone and pace of life in two life-history ecotypes of the garter snake Thamnophis elegans.

PubMed

Palacios, Maria G; Sparkman, Amanda M; Bronikowski, Anne M

2012-02-01

Glucocorticoids are main candidates for mediating life-history trade-offs by regulating the balance between current reproduction and survival. It has been proposed that slow-living organisms should show higher stress-induced glucocorticoid levels that favor self-maintenance rather than current reproduction when compared to fast-living organisms. We tested this hypothesis in replicate populations of two ecotypes of the garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) that exhibit slow and fast pace of life strategies. We subjected free-ranging snakes to a capture-restraint protocol and compared the stress-induced corticosterone levels between slow- and fast-living snakes. We also used a five-year dataset to assess whether baseline corticosterone levels followed the same pattern as stress-induced levels in relation to pace of life. In accordance with the hypothesis, slow-living snakes showed higher stress-induced corticosterone levels than fast-living snakes. Baseline corticosterone levels showed a similar pattern with ecotype, although differences depended on the year of study. Overall, however, levels of glucocorticoids are higher in slow-living than fast-living snakes, which should favor self-maintenance and survival at the expense of current reproduction. The results of the present study are the first to relate glucocorticoid levels and pace of life in a reptilian system and contribute to our understanding of the physiological mechanisms involved in life-history evolution. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Epigenetic alterations are involved in the overexpression of glutathione S-transferase π-1 in human colorectal cancers.

PubMed

Zhang, Rui; Kang, Kyoung Ah; Piao, Mei Jing; Kim, Ki Cheon; Zheng, Jian; Yao, Cheng Wen; Cha, Ji Won; Maeng, Young Hee; Chang, Weon Young; Moon, Pyong-Gon; Baek, Moon-Chang; Hyun, Jin Won

2014-09-01

Glutathione S-transferase π-1 (GSTP-1) is a member of the glutathione S-transferase enzyme superfamily, which catalyzes the conjugation of electrophiles to glutathione during the process of detoxification. In this study, the epigenetic alterations of GSTP-1 expression in human colorectal cancers and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. In 10 colon cancer patients, proteomic analysis revealed that expression of GSTP-1 protein was higher in tumor tissues than in paired adjacent normal tissues. Likewise, in 7 of 10 colon cancer patients, GSTP-1 protein expression was more than 1.5-fold higher in tumor tissues than in adjacent normal tissues, as determined by western blotting. Immunohistochemical data confirmed that GSTP-1 protein was expressed at higher levels in colon cancer tissues compared to normal mucosa. GSTP-1 enzyme activity was closely correlated with GSTP-1 protein expression in colon cancer patients. Consistent with this, GSTP-1 mRNA, protein and activity levels were higher in the colorectal cancer cell lines Caco-2, HCT-116, HT-29, SNU-407 and SNU-1033 compared to the normal colon cell line FHC. Methylation-specific PCR results indicated that the high levels of GSTP-1 in human colorectal cancer cell lines were likely due to the lower degree of promoter methylation in colon cancer cell lines compared to the normal colon cell line, consistent with findings in colon cancer patients. Moreover, the levels of specific activator-protein complexes and histone marks were higher in human colorectal cancer cells compared to the normal human colon cell line, whereas the repressor protein complexes exhibited the opposite pattern. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that expression levels of the transcription factors AP-1 and SP-1 were correlated with the upregulation of GSTP-1 expression in colorectal cancer cells. Finally, knockdown of GSTP-1 promoted the sensitivity of SNU-407 cells to the anticancer agent 5-fluorouracil. These data indicate that GSTP-1 may serve as a clinically useful biomarker of colon cancer and a target for anti-colon cancer drugs.

Regional Hippocampal Atrophy and Higher Levels of Plasma Amyloid-Beta Are Associated With Subjective Memory Complaints in Nondemented Elderly Subjects.

PubMed

Cantero, Jose L; Iglesias, Juan E; Van Leemput, Koen; Atienza, Mercedes

2016-09-01

Evidence suggests a link between the presence of subjective memory complaints (SMC) and lower volume of the hippocampus, one of the first regions to show neuropathological lesions in Alzheimer's disease. However, it remains unknown whether this pattern of hippocampal atrophy is regionally specific and whether SMC are also paralleled by changes in peripheral levels of amyloid-beta (Aβ). The volume of hippocampal subregions and plasma Aβ levels were cross-sectionally compared between elderly individuals with (SMC(+); N = 47) and without SMC (SMC(-); N = 48). Significant volume differences in hippocampal subregions were further correlated with plasma Aβ levels and with objective memory performance. Individuals with SMC exhibited significantly higher Aβ1-42 concentrations and lower volumes of CA1, CA4, dentate gyrus, and molecular layer compared with SMC(-) participants. Regression analyses further showed significant associations between lower volume of the dentate gyrus and both poorer memory performance and higher plasma Aβ1-42 levels in SMC(+) participants. The presence of SMC, lower volumes of specific hippocampal regions, and higher plasma Aβ1-42 levels could be conditions associated with aging vulnerability. If such associations are confirmed in longitudinal studies, the combination may be markers recommending clinical follow-up in nondemented older adults. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Metal concentrations in three species of passerine birds breeding in the Hackensack Meadowlands of New Jersey

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tsipoura, Nellie; Burger, Joanna; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Piscataway, NJ 08854

2008-06-15

The New Jersey Meadowlands is an important natural area, a diverse mosaic of wetland habitats positioned within the heavily urbanized NY City Metropolitan area and the NY/NJ Harbor. Persistent contaminants may pose threats to wildlife inhabiting these habitats, affecting reproduction, egg hatchability, nestling survivorship, and neurobehavioral development. Metals of concern in the Meadowlands include arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury. These metals were analyzed in feathers and blood of three passerine birds breeding in wetland habitats, including red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), marsh wrens (Cistothorus palustris), and tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), as well as eggs of the first two species. Thesemore » widespread species are abundant in wetland habitats across the Meadowlands District, and eat insects and other invertebrates. Lead levels were low in eggs, higher in feathers and very elevated in blood in all species compared to those that have been reported for other bird species. Lead levels were especially high in blood of marsh wren (mean of 0.8 ppm) and swallow (mean of 0.94 ppm, wet weight). Levels of lead in the blood for all three species sampled were higher than the negative impact threshold of 0.4 ppm. Mercury levels, while below the levels considered biologically harmful, were higher in eggs (mean of 0.2, wet weight) and feathers (3.2 ppm, dry weight) of marsh wren from Meadowlands than those seen in other passerines, and even some fish-eating birds. Furthermore, unhatched wren eggs had higher mercury levels (0.3 ppm, wet weight) than eggs randomly selected before hatch (0.18 ppm, wet weight). Blood tissue levels of mercury were low in all three species (mean of less than 0.035 ppm, wet weight). Chromium levels were relatively high in eggs and in blood, but lower in feathers when compared to those reported in the literature. Cadmium and arsenic levels were generally low for all tissues and in all species studied compared to those measured in other studies. Finally, all metal levels for tree swallow tissues in our study were much lower than those reported previously for this species in the Meadowlands District.« less

Altered fructosamine and lipid fractions in subclinical hypothyroidism.

PubMed

Udupa, Sridevi V; Manjrekar, Poornima A; Udupa, Vinit A; Vivian, D'Souza

2013-01-01

Thyroid function disorders lead to changes in the lipoprotein metabolism. To study the lipid and the glycaemic abnormalities in the subclinical hypothyroidism cases and to compare the same with the euthyroid, overt hypothyroid and the hyperthyroid subjects. Four groups, euthyroid (Group-I), hypothyroid (Group-II), subclinical hypothyroid (Group-III) and hyperthyroid (Group-IV), which consisted of 30 subjects each, of either sex, who were aged 25-55 years, underwent Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), fructosamine, lipid profile and total T3, T4 and TSH estimations. The subjects who were on lipid lowering or thyroid disorder drugs and known diabetics were excluded from the study. In Group-III, all the lipid fractions were comparable to those of Group-II and they were significantly deranged, as compared to those of Group-I. The fructosamine levels were significantly higher in Group-II and Group-III (p<0.05), but the subclinical hypothyroid pool had statistically lower levels than the hypothyroid pool (376.63±54.73, 587.80±65.10). In the Group-IV patients, the LDL-C levels were significantly higher as compared to those in the euthyroid pool. The fructosamine levels were significantly lower in comparison with both the euthyroid and the hypothyroid pools (both in Groups-II and III). The FPG levels were higher in all the classes of the thyroid abnormalities (subclinical hypothyroidnot significant) but within the reference range of 70-100mg/dl. Since the lipid derangement in subclinical hypothyroidism is on par with that in overt hypothyrodism, the subclinical hypothyroid cases also need to be treated similarly. The fructosamine values which are largely in excess of the FPG values, indicate a higher propensity to glycation and a decreased turnover of the proteins in the hypothyroid and the subclinical hypothyroid pools. Vice versa is true of the hyperthyroid pool. Fructosamine can be included in the thyroid work up of the patients to assess the metabolic function and the subsequent response after the initiation of the therapy.

The Infection Rate of Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Replacement Is Higher When Compared to Other Bearing Surfaces as Documented by the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry.

PubMed

Huang, Phil; Lyons, Matt; O'Sullivan, Michael

2018-02-01

Despite the well-documented decline in the use of metal-on-metal (MoM) implants over the last decade, there are still controversies regarding whether all MoM implants are created equally. Complications such as elevated serum metal ion levels, aseptic lymphocyte-dominated vasculitis-associated lesion (ALVAL) and pseudotumours have all been well documented, but recent studies suggest increased risk of infection with MoM bearing surfaces. Most of these studies however have small patient numbers. The purpose of this study was to examine the cumulative incidence of revision for infection of MoM bearing surfaces in primary hip arthroplasty at a national and single-surgeon level. Data was collected from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry, which contains over 98% of all arthroplasties performed in Australia since 2001. The cumulative incidence of revision for infection was extracted at a national level and single-surgeon level. Two hundred seventy-six thousand eight hundred seventy-eight subjects were documented in the Australian registry. The 10-year cumulative percent revision for infection of MoM bearing surfaces in primary total hip replacement (THR) was 2.5% at a national level, compared to 0.8% for other bearing surfaces. The senior author contributed 1755 subjects with 7-year follow-up and a cumulative percent revision for infection of MoM bearing surfaces in primary THR of 36.9%, compared to 2.0% for other bearing surfaces. The cumulative percent of revision of MoM bearing surfaces is higher compared to other bearing surfaces; this is especially pronounced in cumulative percent of revision for infection. There was a higher cumulative percent of revision for infection in MoM bearings surfaces (in particular, large-head MoM) compared to other bearing surfaces at both the national and individual-surgeon level.

Homocysteine, endothelin-1 and nitric oxide in patients with hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy.

PubMed

Zeng, Yachang; Li, Mujun; Chen, Yue; Wang, Sumei

2015-01-01

To investigate the change of level of serum homocysteine (Hcy), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) and clinical significance in patients with HDCP. Two hundred and thirty nine patients with HDCP (137 patients with mild preeclampsia, 102 patients with severe preeclampsia) who were hospitalized between June 2012 and June 2015 and 200 normal pregnancy women in outpatient department were enrolled in our study were divided into HDCP group and control group. Serum Hcy concentration was measured by enzymatic cycling assay. ET-1 concentration was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. And no concentration was measured by nitrate reductase assay. Serum Hcy and ET-1 in HDCP group were significantly higher as compared to control group (P<0.05). Level of serum NO in HDCP group was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). Level of serum Hcy and ET-1 in mild and severe preeclampsia group were significantly higher as compared to control group, respectively (P<0.05). Level of serum NO in mild and severe preeclampsia group were significantly lower than in the control group' respectively (P<0.05). Level of serum Hcy and ET-1 in severe preeclampsia group were significantly higher as compared to mild preclampsia group (P<0.05). Level of serum NO in severe preeclampsia group were significantly lower than in mild preeclampsia group (P<0.05). Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that level of serum Hcy and ET-1 was positively correlated with severity of diseases (r=0.689, 0.718, P<0.05). Level of serum NO was negatively correlated with severity of diseases (r=-0.702, P<0.05). Serum Hcy, ET-1 and NO were associated with pathogenesis of HDCP. Comprehensively measurement of them could effectively evaluate the incidence and progress of HDCP.

Dabigatran Levels in Elderly Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: First Post-Marketing Experiences.

PubMed

Bolek, Tomáš; Samoš, Matej; Škorňová, Ingrid; Stančiaková, Lucia; Staško, Ján; Galajda, Peter; Kubisz, Peter; Mokáň, Marián

2018-05-08

The number of elderly individuals with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NV-AF) requiring long-term anticoagulation is rising. The pharmacokinetics of oral anticoagulants in elderly individuals may differ from that for younger patients. The aim of this study was to assess the dabigatran levels in elderly patients with NV-AF. A pilot prospective post-marketing study in patients with NV-AF on dabigatran therapy was performed; we enrolled 21 consecutive elderly patients (aged ≥ 75 years) on a reduced dabigatran regimen (110 mg twice daily) and compared them with 13 younger (≤ 70 years) individuals on reduced dabigatran therapy due to renal impairment and with 16 younger patients on standard dabigatran therapy (150 mg twice daily). Blood samples were taken for the assessment of dabigatran trough and peak levels. Dabigatran levels were measured with the Hemoclot ® Thrombin Inhibitor Assay. There were significant differences in dabigatran trough levels when comparing elderly patients on reduced dabigatran with non-elderly patients on reduced dabigatran (99.3 ± 73.6 vs 51.6 ± 25.6 ng/mL; p < 0.01). Similarly, the detected dabigatran peak levels were significantly higher in elderly patients on reduced dabigatran compared with non-elderly patients on reduced dabigatran (173.4 ± 116.2 vs 116.1 ± 19.1 ng/mL; p < 0.01). No significant differences in dabigatran trough and peak levels were found when comparing elderly patients on reduced dabigatran with non-elderly patients on standard dabigatran therapy. This pilot study demonstrated that elderly patients on reduced dabigatran exhibit significantly higher dabigatran levels than younger individuals on a reduced regimen, and similar levels compared with younger individuals on standard dabigatran.

Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with end-stage renal failure and in subjects without kidney disease: a comparative study.

PubMed

Madsen, Trine; Christensen, Jeppe H; Svensson, My; Witt, Petra M; Toft, Egon; Schmidt, Erik B

2011-03-01

Patients with end-stage renal disease treated with chronic hemodialysis (HD) are reported to have low levels of marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in plasma and cell membranes compared with healthy subjects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether n-3 PUFA levels in plasma and cells are lower in HD patients as compared with subjects without kidney disease. A comparative study was carried out. This study was carried out at the Departments of Nephrology and Cardiology, Aalborg Hospital, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. This study consisted of 2 study populations comprising HD patients and 5 study populations comprising subjects without kidney disease. The fatty acid distribution in plasma phospholipids and platelet phospholipids was measured using gas chromatography. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (AA) levels in plasma or serum phospholipids and platelet phospholipids in HD patients were compared with n-3 PUFA levels in subjects without kidney disease. EPA and DHA were lower and AA/EPA was higher in plasma/serum phospholipids in HD patients than in subjects without kidney disease. Similarly, higher AA and AA/EPA and lower EPA and DHA levels were found in platelet phospholipids of HD patients. Adjustment for gender, age, and habitual intake of fish and fish oil supplements did not change these results. HD patients have lower n-3 PUFA levels in plasma and cells compared with subjects without kidney disease. Copyright © 2011 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Role of Ethnicity and Acculturation in Preoperative Distress in Parents of Children Undergoing Surgery.

PubMed

Stevenson, Robert S; Rosales, Alvina; Fortier, Michelle A; Campos, Belinda; Golianu, Brenda; Zuk, Jeannie; Gold, Jeffrey; Kain, Zeev N

2017-06-01

This study examined the effects of acculturation on anxiety and stress in Latino and non-Latino white parents of children undergoing outpatient surgery. Participants included 686 parent-child dyads from four major children's hospitals in the United States. Latino parents who grew up in the U.S. reported higher levels of anxiety (p = 0.009) and stress (p < 0.001) compared to parents who grew up in a Latin American country. Additionally, English-speaking Latino parents reported higher anxiety and stress compared to both Spanish-speaking Latino and non-Latino white parents (p's < 0.05), whereas Spanish-speaking Latino and non-Latino white parents reported similar levels of stress and anxiety. Results of the current study were consistent with the immigrant health paradox in that more acculturated Latino parents reported higher levels of anxiety and stress than less acculturated Latino and non-Latino white parents, supporting the need for culturally tailored interventions in the perioperative environment.

The Role of Ethnicity and Acculturation in Preoperative Distress in Parents of Children Undergoing Surgery

PubMed Central

Stevenson, Robert S.; Rosales, Alvina; Fortier, Michelle A.; Campos, Belinda; Golianu, Brenda; Zuk, Jeannie; Gold, Jeffrey; Kain, Zeev N.

2017-01-01

Background This study examined the effects of acculturation on anxiety and stress in Latino and non-Latino-White parents of children undergoing outpatient surgery. Methods Participants included 686 parent-child dyads from four major children's hospitals in the United States. Results Latino parents who grew up in the U.S. reported higher levels of anxiety (p = 0.009) and stress (p < 0.001) compared to parents who grew up in a Latin American country. Additionally, English-speaking Latino parents reported higher anxiety and stress compared to both Spanish-speaking Latino and non-Latino White parents (p's < 0.05), whereas Spanish-speaking Latino and non-Latino White parents reported similar levels of stress and anxiety. Discussion Results of the current study were consistent with the immigrant health paradox in that more acculturated Latino parents reported higher levels of anxiety and stress than less acculturated Latino and non-Latino-White parents, supporting the need for culturally tailored interventions in the perioperative environment. PMID:26895152

Transmission routes for nipah virus from Malaysia and Bangladesh.

PubMed

Clayton, Bronwyn A; Middleton, Deborah; Bergfeld, Jemma; Haining, Jessica; Arkinstall, Rachel; Wang, Linfa; Marsh, Glenn A

2012-12-01

Human infections with Nipah virus in Malaysia and Bangladesh are associated with markedly different patterns of transmission and pathogenicity. To compare the 2 strains, we conducted an in vivo study in which 2 groups of ferrets were oronasally exposed to either the Malaysia or Bangladesh strain of Nipah virus. Viral shedding and tissue tropism were compared between the 2 groups. Over the course of infection, significantly higher levels of viral RNA were recovered from oral secretions of ferrets infected with the Bangladesh strain. Higher levels of oral shedding of the Bangladesh strain of Nipah virus might be a key factor in onward transmission in outbreaks among humans.

Adverse metabolic risk profiles in Greenlandic Inuit children compared to Danish children.

PubMed

Munch-Andersen, T; Sorensen, K; Andersen, L B; Aachmann-Andersen, N J; Aksglaede, L; Juul, A; Helge, J W

2013-06-01

During recent decades, the prevalence of metabolic morbidity has increased rapidly in adult Greenlandic Inuit. To what extent this is also reflected in the juvenile Inuit population is unknown. The objective was, therefore, in the comparison with Danish children, to evaluate metabolic profiles in Greenlandic Inuit children from the capital in the southern and from the northern most villages 187 Inuit and 132 Danish children were examined with anthropometrics, pubertal staging, fasting blood samples, and a maximal aerobic test. Both Inuit children living in Nuuk and the northern villages had significantly higher glucose, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1 levels, and diastolic blood pressure compared with Danish children after adjustment for differences in adiposity and aerobic fitness levels. The Inuit children living in Nuuk had significantly higher BMI, body fat %, HbA1 c, and significantly lower aerobic fitness and ApoA1 levels than northern living Inuit children. Greenlandic Inuit children had adverse metabolic health profile compared to the Danish children, the differences where more pronounced in Inuit children living in Nuuk. The tendencies toward higher prevalence of diabetes and metabolic morbidity in the adult Greenlandic Inuit population may also be present in the Inuit children population. Copyright © 2013 The Obesity Society.

Cardiovascular disease parameters in periodontitis.

PubMed

Monteiro, Andréa M; Jardini, Maria A N; Alves, Sarah; Giampaoli, Viviana; Aubin, Elisete C Q; Figueiredo Neto, Antônio M; Gidlund, Magnus

2009-03-01

Recently, there has been an increasing in the impact of oral health on atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between chronic periodontitis and cardiovascular risk markers. Forty patients with periodontitis and 40 healthy gender-, body mass index-, and age-matched individuals were compared by measuring total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, levels of cytokines, antibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, total and differential white blood cell counts, and the non-linear index of refraction. The levels of triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein in periodontitis patients were significantly higher and lower, respectively (P = 0.002 and P = 0.0126), compared to controls. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and lipid peroxide levels were the same in both groups (P = 0.2943, P = 0.1284, and P = 0.067, respectively). Interleukin (IL)-6 and -8, antibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and leukocyte and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in periodontitis patients (P <0.05). The value of the non-linear index of refraction of low-density lipoprotein solutions was higher in the controls (P = 0.015) compared to individuals with periodontitis. Our results confirmed and further strengthened the suggested association between coronary artery disease and periodontitis.

Prediction of Gut Wall Integrity Loss in Viral Gastroenteritis by Non-Invasive Marker

PubMed Central

Elnady, Hala G.; Sherif, Lobna S.; Saleh, Maysa T.; El-Alameey, Inas R.; Youssef, Mai M.; El Shafie, Amal I.; Helwa, Iman; Raouf, Haiam Abdel; EL-Taweel, Ahmed N.

2015-01-01

BACKGROUND: Intestinal fatty acid binding proteins (I-FABPs) are mainly expressed in the intestinal villi, which are the initial site of destruction in viral gastroenteritis. AIM: This study was designed to assess serum I-FABPs as a predictor of gut wall integrity loss in viral gastroenteritis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This case-control cross-sectional study was conducted on 93 cases of acute viral gastroenteritis. Twenty-eight healthy children matching in age were recruited as control group. Serum I-FABPs were measured using ELISA technique. Viral detection and typing were done by PCR for adenovirus, and by Reverse transcriptase PCR for rotavirus, astrovirus and norovirus. RESULTS: Serum I-FABPs level was significantly higher in the cases compared to the controls and was also higher in the 46 rotavirus gastroenteritis cases compared to other viral gastroenteritis cases. Serum I- FABPs level was significantly higher in severely dehydrated cases as compared to mildly dehydrated ones (P=0.037). CONCLUSION: Serum I-FABPs could be used as an early and sensitive predictor marker of gut wall integrity loss in children with viral gastroenteritis and its level can indicate case severity. PMID:27275194

Serum Oxidative Stress Levels in Patients with Nasal Septal Deviation

PubMed Central

Ekinci, Adnan; Karataş, Duran; Yetiş, Abdurrahman; Demir, Emre; Özcan, Müge

2017-01-01

Objective Comparison of the total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and paraoxonase (PON1) serum levels in patients with nasal septum deviation (NSD) and healthy subjects. Methods The TAS, TOS, and PON1 serum levels of 47 patients with NSD (mean age 35.3) and 50 healthy subjects (mean age 37.8) were compared in this study. Results We found significantly higher TAS levels in the control group (p<0.001). The mean TAS value was 1.196 mmoL/L in the control group, whereas it was 1.046 mmoL/L in the NSD group. On the other hand, TOS was significantly higher in the NSD group (p<0.001). We found that the mean TOS value was 6.600 mmoL/L in the control group, and 20.194 mmoL/L in the NSD group. The NSD and control groups had similar PON1 levels (p=0.446). The mean PON1 value was 279.64 U/L in the control group, and 324.21 U/L in the NSD group. Conclusion We detected higher TOS and lower TAS levels in patients with NSD compared to healthy subjects. These results indicate that patients with NSD are exposed to oxidative stress. PMID:29392069

Selenium-dependent pre- and posttranscriptional mechanisms are responsible for sexual dimorphic expression of selenoproteins in murine tissues.

PubMed

Riese, Cornelia; Michaelis, Marten; Mentrup, Birgit; Götz, Franziska; Köhrle, Josef; Schweizer, Ulrich; Schomburg, Lutz

2006-12-01

Important enzymes for thyroid hormone metabolism, antioxidative defense, and intracellular redox control contain selenocysteine (Sec) in their active centers. Expression of these selenoproteins is tightly controlled, and a sex-specific phenotype is observed on disturbance of selenium (Se) transport in mice. Therefore, we analyzed Se concentrations and expression levels of several selenoproteins including type I iodothyronine deiodinase (Dio1) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) isozymes in male and female mice. On regular lab chow, serum Se levels were comparable, but serum GPx3 activity was higher in females than males (1.3-fold). Selenoprotein P (SePP) mRNA levels were higher in livers (1.3-fold) and lower in kidneys (to 31%) in female compared with male mice. Orchidectomy alleviated the sex-specific differences in SePP mRNA amounts, indicating modulatory effects of androgens on SePP expression. Female mice expressed higher levels of Dio1 mRNA in kidney (2.6-fold) and liver (1.4-fold) in comparison with male mice. This sexual dimorphic expression of Dio1 mRNA was paralleled by increased Dio1 activity in female kidney (1.8-fold) but not in liver in which males expressed higher Dio1 activity (2.8-fold). Interestingly, Se deficiency decreased Dio1 activity more effectively in males than females, and resulting hepatic enzyme levels were then comparable between the sexes. At the same time, the sex-specific difference of Dio1 activity widened in kidney. Orchidectomy or estradiol treatment of ovariectomized females impacted stronger on renal than hepatic Dio1 expression. Thus, we conclude that Se-dependent posttranscriptional mechanisms are operational that affect either translational efficiency or Dio1 stability in a sex- and tissue-specific manner.

Changes in cytokines in tears after endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

PubMed

Lee, J K; Kim, T H

2014-05-01

We attempted to compare the cytokine composition of tears between primary acquired nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction and normal controls. We investigated the changes in cytokines in tears after endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Eighteen patients underwent endonasal DCR, with seven patients undergoing bilateral DCR, resulting in twenty-five DCRs in total. Eleven contralateral un-operated eyes were used as normal controls. Silicone stents were removed 3 months after surgery. Tear samples were collected from all eyes before surgery, and at 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, and 4 months after surgery. The level of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the tears was measured. The concentrations of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, VEGF, and FGF-2 were significantly higher in eyes with NLD obstruction than controls before surgery (P=0.006, 0.018, 0.002, 0.048, and 0.039, respectively). Most inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, VEGF, and FGF-2) were higher in the tears of the DCR group compared with the controls during the postoperative follow-up, but then rapidly decreased to the level of the controls after removal of the silicone stent. The recurred eyes showed a higher level of TGF-β2 and FGF-2 in tears compared with the eyes that showed good surgical results (P<0.005 and <0.005, respectively). The tear levels of inflammatory cytokines were higher in eyes with NLD obstruction than controls. The changes in cytokine level during the postoperative period showed the importance of cytokine analysis in understanding wound healing after DCR.

Follow-up of blood glucose distribution characteristics in a health examination population in Chengdu from 2010 to 2016

PubMed Central

Wang, Yuting; Xu, Wangdong; Zhang, Qiongying; Bao, Ting; Yang, Hanwei; Huang, Wenxia; Tang, Huairong

2018-01-01

Abstract The worldwide prevalence and incidence of diabetes and obesity are increasing in pandemic proportions. Thus, regular health examination is an important way for early detection of diabetes and glucose intolerance. The present study aims to detect the blood glucose distribution characteristics of the participants in the Health Examination Center at West China Hospital, Sichuan University from 2010 to 2016. A prospective cohort included 9168 Chinese participants, aged 18 years or more, who had available information on fasting blood glucose concentrations at the start of the study (2010). Examination surveys were conducted every year from 2010 to 2016. Cases having serum level of fasting blood glucose between 2.2 and 6.1 mmol/L were considered as normality, while serum level of fasting blood glucose < 2.2 or higher than 6.2 mmol/L were considered as abnormality. The percentage of participants having normal level of glucose was gradually reduced both in males and females from 2010 to 2016, by which the percentage of males having normal level of glucose was significantly lower than that in females. Moreover, the mean level of glucose was significantly increased from 2010 to 2016 both in males and females overall, and the mean level of glucose was higher in males compared with that in females every year. Furthermore, we showed that the level of glucose was gradually increased year by year in each age group, and the level of glucose was higher in aged cases compared with the young population. The study population in the current study showed higher levels of glucose with ages increasing, and males indicated higher expression of glucose than that in females. Some preventive action may be adopted early and more attention can be paid to this health-examination population. PMID:29465557

Properties and antioxidant activity of fish skin gelatin film incorporated with citrus essential oils.

PubMed

Tongnuanchan, Phakawat; Benjakul, Soottawat; Prodpran, Thummanoon

2012-10-01

Properties of protein-based film from fish skin gelatin incorporated with different citrus essential oils, including bergamot, kaffir lime, lemon and lime (50% based on protein) in the presence of 20% and 30% glycerol were investigated. Films containing 20% glycerol had higher tensile strength (TS) but lower elongation at break (EAB), compared with those prepared with 30% glycerol, regardless of essential oils incorporated (p<0.05). Films incorporated with essential oils, especially from lime, at both glycerol levels showed the lower TS but higher EAB than the control films (without incorporated essential oil) (p<0.05). Water vapour permeability (WVP) of films containing essential oils was lower than that of control films for both glycerol levels (p<0.05). Films with essential oils had varying ΔE(*) (total colour difference), where the highest value was observed in that added with bergamot essential oil (p<0.05). Higher glycerol content increased EAB and WVP but decreased TS of films. Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectra indicated that films added with essential oils exhibited higher hydrophobicity with higher amplitude at wavenumber of 2874-2926 cm(-1) and 1731-1742 cm(-1) than control film. Film incorporated with essential oils exhibited slightly lower thermal degradation resistance, compared to the control film. Varying effect of essential oil on thermal degradation temperature and weight loss was noticeable, but all films prepared using 20% glycerol had higher thermal degradation temperature with lower weight loss, compared with those containing 30% glycerol. Films added with all types of essential oils had rough cross-section, compared with control films, irrespective of glycerol levels. However, smooth surface was observed in all film samples. Film incorporated with lemon essential oil showed the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (p<0.05), while the other films had lower activity. Thus, the incorporation of different essential oils and glycerol levels directly affected the properties of gelatin-based film from fish skin. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Nutritional status of school children from different socioeconomic levels].

PubMed

Amigo, H; Bustos, P; Radrigán, M E; Ureta, E

1995-09-01

The aim of this work was to compare the nutritional status of children from low and high socioeconomic levels. Weight, height, mid arm circumference and tricipital skinfold thickness were measured in 1,842 children of low and 2,770 of high socioeconomic status. Mean weight, height, and mid arm muscular circumference were higher in children of high socioeconomic status. Also, growth failure and overweight had a higher frequency among children of low socioeconomic status. Mean weight, height and mid arm circumference were higher in males of both groups. Among children of low socioeconomic status, height/age ratios were lower in men and weight/height ratios were higher in women. These differences were not observed in children of high socioeconomic level. We conclude that adverse environmental conditions, lower physical activity and indigenous ancestors may alter the nutritional status of children of low socioeconomic levels.

General self-efficacy in the Norwegian population: Differences and similarities between sociodemographic groups.

PubMed

Bonsaksen, Tore; Lerdal, Anners; Heir, Trond; Ekeberg, Øivind; Skogstad, Laila; Grimholt, Tine K; Schou-Bredal, Inger

2018-02-01

General self-efficacy (GSE) refers to optimistic self-beliefs of being able to perform and control behaviors, and is linked with various physical and mental health outcomes. Measures of self-efficacy are commonly used in health research with clinical populations, but are less explored in relationship to sociodemographic characteristics in general populations. This study investigated GSE in relation to sociodemographic characteristics in the general population in Norway. As part of a larger national survey, the GSE scale was administered to a general population sample, and 1787 out of 4961 eligible participants (response rate 36%) completed the scale. Group comparisons were conducted using independent t-tests and one-way analyses of variance. Linear regression analysis was used to examine factors independently associated with GSE. GSE was lower for older compared to younger participants ( p < 0.001). It was higher for men compared to women ( p < 0.001), higher for those with higher levels of education compared to those with lower levels ( p < 0.001) and higher for those in work compared to their counterparts ( p < 0.001). Controlling for all variables, male gender and employment were independently associated with higher GSE. Age moderated the associations between gender and employment on one hand, and GSE on the other. The association between being male and having higher GSE was more pronounced in younger age, as was the association between being employed and having higher GSE. Male gender and being employed were related to higher GSE among persons in the general population in Norway, and these associations were stronger among persons of younger age. The findings are considered fairly representative for the Norwegian population.

Tuberculosis-diabetes co-morbidity is characterized by heightened systemic levels of circulating angiogenic factors

PubMed Central

Kumar, Nathella Pavan; Moideen, Kadar; Sivakumar, Shanmugam; Menon, Pradeep A; Viswanathan, Vijay; Kornfeld, Hardy; Babu, Subash

2016-01-01

Background Tuberculosis-diabetes co-morbidity (TB-DM) is characterized by increased inflammation with elevated circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines and other factors. Circulating angiogenic factors are intricately involved in the angiogenesis-inflammation nexus. Methods To study the association of angiogenic factors with TB-DM, we examined the systemic levels of VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGF-R1, VEGF-R2, VEGF-R3 in individuals with either TB-DM (n=44) or TB alone (n=44). Results Circulating levels of VEGF-A, C, D, R1, R2 and R3 were significantly higher in TB-DM compared to TB individuals. Moreover, the levels of VEGF-A, C, R2 and/or R3 were significantly higher in TB-DM with bilateral or cavitary disease or with hemoptysis, suggesing an association with both disease severity and adverse clinical presentation. The levels of these factors also exhibited a significant positive relationship with bacterial burdens and HbA1c levels. In addition, VEGF-A, C and R2 levels were signifantly higher (at 2 months of treatment) in culture positive compared to culture negative TB-DM individuals. Finally, the circulating levels of VEGF-A, C, D, R1, R2 and R3 were significantly reduced following successful chemotherapy at 6 months. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that TB-DM is associated with heightened levels of circulating angiogenic factors, possibly reflecting both dysregulated angiogenesis and exaggerated inflammation. PMID:27717783

Soluble Klotho and Brain Atrophy in Alcoholism.

PubMed

González-Reimers, Emilio; Romero-Acevedo, Lucía; Espelosín-Ortega, Elisa; Martín-González, M Candelaria; Quintero-Platt, Geraldine; Abreu-González, Pedro; José de-la-Vega-Prieto, María; Martínez-Martínez, Daniel; Santolaria-Fernández, Francisco

2018-05-26

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF-23) and α-Klotho (Klotho) levels may be altered in inflammatory conditions, possibly as compensatory mechanisms. Klotho exerts a protective effect on neurodegeneration and improves learning and cognition. No data exist about the association of Klotho and FGF-23 levels with brain atrophy observed in alcoholics. The aim of this study is to explore these relationships. FGF-23 and Klotho levels are altered in inflammation, possibly as compensatory mechanisms. Klotho enhances learning, but its role in ethanol-mediated brain atrophy is unknown. We found higher FGF-23 and lower Klotho levels in 131 alcoholics compared with 41 controls. Among cirrhotics, Klotho was higher and inversely related to brain atrophy. The study was performed on 131 alcoholic patients (54 cirrhotics) and 41 age- and sex-matched controls, in whom a brain computed tomography (CT) was performed and several indices were calculated. Marked brain atrophy was observed among patients when compared with controls. Patients also showed higher FGF-23 and lower Klotho values. However, among cirrhotics, Klotho values were higher. Klotho was inversely related to brain atrophy (for instance, ventricular index (ρ = -0.23, P = 0.008)), especially in cirrhotics. Klotho was also directly related to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha (ρ = 0.22; P = 0.026) and inversely to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β (ρ = -0.34; P = 0.002), but not to C-reactive protein (CRP) or malondialdehyde levels. FGF-23 was also higher among cirrhotics but showed no association with CT indices. Klotho showed higher values among cirrhotics, and was inversely related to brain atrophy. FGF-23, although high among patients, especially cirrhotics, did not show any association with brain atrophy. Some inflammatory markers or cytokines, such as CRP or TGF-β were related to brain atrophy.

Higher fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) uptake in tuberculous compared to bacterial spondylodiscitis.

PubMed

Bassetti, Matteo; Merelli, Maria; Di Gregorio, Fernando; Della Siega, Paola; Screm, Maria; Scarparo, Claudio; Righi, Elda

2017-06-01

Tuberculous spondylodiscitis can be difficult to diagnose because of its nonspecific symptoms and the similarities with non-tubercular forms of spinal infection. Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (FDG PET-CT) is increasingly used for the diagnosis and monitoring of tubercular diseases. Retrospective, case-control study comparing tuberculous spondylodiscitis with biopsy-confirmed pyogenic spondylodiscitis in the period 2010-2012. Ten cases of tuberculous spondylodiscitis and 20 controls were included. Compared to pyogenic, tuberculous spondylodiscitis was more frequent in younger patients (P = 0.01) and was more often associated with thoraco-lumbar tract lesions (P = 0.01) and multiple vertebral involvement (P = 0.01). Significantly higher maximum standardized uptake values (SUV) at FDG-PET were displayed by tuberculous spondylodiscitis compared to controls (12.4 vs. 7.3, P = 0.003). SUV levels above 8 showed the highest value of specificity (0.80). Mean SUV reduction of 48% was detected for tuberculous spondylodiscitis at 1-month follow-up. Higher SUV levels at FDG-PET were detected in tuberculous compared with pyogenic spondylodiscitis. PET-CT use appeared useful in the disease follow-up after treatment initiation.

Biomonitoring of urinary metals in a population living in the vicinity of industrial sources: a comparison with the general population of Andalusia, Spain.

PubMed

Aguilera, Inmaculada; Daponte, Antonio; Gil, Fernando; Hernández, Antonio F; Godoy, Patricia; Pla, Antonio; Ramos, Juan Luis

2008-12-15

The Ria of Huelva (south-west Spain) is one of the most polluted fluvial-estuarine systems in the world. Industrial activity delivers huge amounts of pollutants to the local environment, particularly heavy metals and arsenic. Here we aimed to determine urinary levels of As, Cd, Cr, Cu and Ni in a representative sample (n=857) of adults living in the Ria of Huelva. Levels were compared to those from a representative sample of 861 adults of the general urban population of Andalusia (southern Spain) and multiple regression models were developed to identify individual factors associated with urinary levels of these elements. Arsenic levels were significantly higher in the Ria of Huelva as compared to other Andalusian cities, whereas Cd and Ni levels were significantly lower. Despite these differences, levels in both groups were similar to the reference values reported in previous studies for general population. Age, gender, diet and lifestyle were the major factors contributing to the interindividual variation in urinary metals. In conclusion, despite living in a highly polluted area, the population of the Ria of Huelva failed to show higher urinary levels of the studied metals as compared to a reference urban population of the same region.

Revised NEO Personality Inventory profiles of male and female U.S. Air Force pilots.

PubMed

Callister, J D; King, R E; Retzlaff, P D; Marsh, R W

1999-12-01

The study of pilot personality characteristics has a long and controversial history. Personality characteristics seem to be fairly poor predictors of training outcome; however, valid personality assessment is essential to clinical psychological evaluations. Therefore, the personality characteristics of pilots must be studied to ensure valid clinical assessment. This paper describes normative personality characteristics of U.S. Air Force pilots based on the Revised NEO Personality Inventory profiles of 1,301 U.S. Air Force student pilots. Compared with male adult norms, male student pilots had higher levels of extraversion and lower levels of agreeableness. Compared with female adult norms, female student pilots had higher levels of extraversion and openness and lower levels of agreeableness. Descriptive statistics and percentile tables for the five domain scores and 30 facet scores are provided for clinical use, and a case vignette is provided as an example of the clinical utility of these U.S. Air Force norms.

Heavy metal levels of ballast waters in commercial ships entering Bushehr port along the Persian Gulf.

PubMed

Dobaradaran, Sina; Soleimani, Farshid; Nabipour, Iraj; Saeedi, Reza; Mohammadi, Mohammad Javad

2018-01-01

In this study we report the concentration levels of heavy metals (including Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, Ni, Fe, Mn, Cu) in ballast water of commercial ships, entering Bushehr port for the first time in the region of the Persian Gulf. The concentration levels of Cu and Fe in all samples of the ballast water were higher compared with the coastal waters of Bushehr port. In the case of Cd, 76.47% of samples had higher concentration level compared with the coastal waters of Bushehr port. Results showed that in a long term the ballast water has the potential to change the chemical quality in marine environments and also may affect the human health and marine ecosystem where ships discharge their ballast water. Therefore, permanent monitoring as well as treatment of ballast water before discharging is crucial to keep the marine environment health. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Predictors of treatment use among foster mothers in an attachment-based intervention program.

PubMed

Bick, Johanna; Dozier, Mary; Moore, Shannon

2012-01-01

The current study examined predictors of treatment use among 56 foster mothers who participated in an attachment-based intervention program for foster infants. Foster mothers' levels of treatment use were coded at early, middle, and late phases of the intervention program. Foster mothers' states of mind with regard to attachment predicted their understanding of the intervention session concepts. Specifically, autonomous foster mothers showed higher levels of understanding at the start of the intervention program, when compared with non-autonomous foster mothers. State of mind with regard to attachment also predicted foster mothers' levels of reflective functioning during the intervention sessions. Autonomous foster mothers showed higher levels of reflective functioning at early, middle, and late stages of the intervention program, when compared with non-autonomous foster mothers. The relevance of these findings for both treatment effectiveness and treatment delivery is discussed.

Circulating levels of endothelin-1 in a homogenous Gulf Arab population with untreated essential hypertension.

PubMed

Obineche, Enyioma; Abdulle, Abdishakur M; Bokhari, Awais M; Yasin, Javed Y; Gillett, Michael P T

2006-01-01

Racial variations are reported in the natural history of hypertension. For example, hypertension is significantly more prevalent in blacks than whites. Endothelial cells are important regulators of vascular tone and homeostasis, in part through secretions of vasoactive substances including endothelin-1 (ET-1), a small peptide with potent vasopressor actions. In black hypertensives, ET-1 levels are higher than in normotensive blacks and in both hypertensive and normotensive whites. Since ET-1 might play a significant role in the development and severity of hypertension in the indigenous Arab population of the United Arab Emirates, we investigated the circulating levels of ET-1 in this homogenous population. ET-1 levels were measured in plasma samples from 60 untreated hypertensive Arabs and compared with 60 age- and sex-matched normotensive controls. ET-1 levels were significantly higher in hypertensives (mean 10.1 +/- 1 pmol/L) than normotensives (mean 2.2 +/- 0.5 pmol/L). Body mass index (BMI) was slightly higher among the hypertensives. For all subjects these levels significantly (P < 0.001) correlated with systolic blood pressure and less significantly (P < 0.05) with diastolic blood pressure and body weight. The correlation between ET-1 and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was persistently significant after adjusting for BMI. Plasma concentrations of ET-1 are significantly higher in hypertensive Gulf Arabs as compared with reported levels in white hypertensives and ET-1 could be a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in this population. The endothelial system might be particularly important with respect to hypertension in this racial group and merits further study.

Gender Difference in Bacteria Endotoxin-Induced Inflammatory and Anorexic Responses.

PubMed

Kuo, Shiu-Ming

2016-01-01

Inflammation-related anorexic response has been observed in systemic diseases as well as in localized infection and is an important issue in patient care. We tested the hypothesis that upon the same endotoxin exposure, males have more severe inflammatory responses and thus suffer from more negative effect on appetite. Ten-week old male and female mice were compared in their plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines after a body weight-based i.p. injection of bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide. Male mice consistently showed significantly higher levels of IL6 and TNFα than female mice. The difference was observed starting at 3 hours after the systemic endotoxin exposure. It was independent of the level of endotoxin dosage and of the genotype of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL10. Interestingly, endotoxin-injected male mice also had significantly higher plasma IL10 levels compared to the female mice. Pre-puberty young mice showed no gender differences in the plasma levels of IL6, TNFα and IL10. Their cytokine levels were mostly between that of the adult males and females. Consistent with the higher inflammatory response in male mice, the endotoxin exposure also led to significantly more appetite loss in male mice at a range of doses in two strains of mice. Saline injection in the absence of endotoxin affected neither the cytokine levels nor the appetite. Although a direct mechanistic link between inflammation parameters and appetite was not addressed here, the results support that male gender could be a risk factor for higher pro-inflammatory cytokines and anorexic response after the endotoxin exposure.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pasley, J.N.; Rice, R.L.; McCullough, S.S.

The role of gastrointestinal peptides in eating disorders has yet to be determined. Methods: In this study we examined plasma levels of gastrin (G), cholecystokinin (CCK), and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) in adolescent anorexic, and obese female subjects hospitalized for feeding behavior disorders. Six anorexic, six obese and six control young females (ages 13-26) were studied after an overnight fast and after consuming a liquid test meal. The liquid test meal (Ensure, Ross Laboratories; Columbus OH) consisted of 14% calories as protein, 31.5% calories as fat and 54.5% calories as carbohydrate in a 240ml volume. Plasma levels of gastrointestinal peptides, G,more » CCK and PP were determined by specific radioimmunoassay. The data were analyzed by one way analysis of variance and the Student's t-test. Results: show that fasting levels of G were greater in control and obese groups than the anorexic subjects. Postprandial G levels for controls were higher than the anorexic, and obese groups respectively. When fasting and postprandial G levels were compared among the same groups only the controls increased after eating. Fasting CCK levels were lower in control and anorexic groups than the obese group. Postprandial CCK levels were higher among control patients compared to anorexic and obese subjects. When fasting and postprandial CCK levels were compared among groups, only control levels increased after eating. Fasting and postprandial PP levels were not different between groups. Postprandial PP levels increased over fasting PP levels only in controls.« less

Autonomic Dysfunction Correlates with Clinical and Inflammatory Activity in Patients with Crohn's Disease.

PubMed

Engel, Tal; Ben-Horin, Shomron; Beer-Gabel, Marc

2015-10-01

Autonomic dysfunction has been implicated in Crohn's disease (CD). We aimed to investigate heart rate variability (HRV) as a marker of possible autonomic imbalance in patients with CD. Thirty patients with CD and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled in a prospective cohort study and underwent HRV study. Anxiety level was scored using the STAI questionnaire and CD clinical activity was assessed by Harvey-Bradshaw index. Blood tests including inflammatory markers were obtained for all participants. CD subjects had lower mean blood pressure (85.51 ± 11.07 mm Hg, 91.51 ± 6.99, P = 0.015) and albumin and significantly higher CRP and IL-6 compared with controls (P < 0.002 for all comparisons). Mean HRV values of very low-frequency power and low-frequency power components were significantly lower among CD subjects (P = 0.038 and 0.027, respectively), implying a predominant sympathetic tone. Anxiety level scores were significantly higher among patients with CD for both state anxiety (P = 0.001) and trait anxiety (P < 0.0001). However, patients with active disease had similar anxiety scores as patients in remission, yet had a significantly lower BMI, lower albumin level, and higher CRP and IL-6 levels (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Moreover, despite similar anxiety scores, patients with active disease had higher pulse rate (P = 0.02) and lower HRV indexes, which correlated with albumin levels(r = 0.7, P = 0.001). Although patients with CD have higher anxiety levels compared with controls, they exhibit depressed HRV independent of this anxiety state and in direct correlation with disease activity and inflammatory markers. These observations suggest an inherent imbalance of autonomic function associated with active inflammation.

Overexpression of alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein in transgenic mice leads to sensitisation to acute colitis.

PubMed

Hochepied, T; Wullaert, A; Berger, F G; Baumann, H; Brouckaert, P; Steidler, L; Libert, C

2002-09-01

alpha(1)-Acid glycoprotein (alpha(1)-AGP) is an acute phase protein in most mammalian species whose concentration rises 2-5-fold during an acute phase reaction. Its serum concentration has often been used as a marker of disease, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). High alpha(1)-AGP levels were found to have a prognostic value for an increased risk of relapse in IBD. To investigate a possible role for increased serum levels of alpha(1)-AGP in the development of IBD. Dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) 2% was added to the drinking water of transgenic mice, overexpressing the rat alpha(1)-AGP gene, to induce acute colitis, thus mimicking the conditions of relapse. Clinical parameters, inflammatory parameters, and histological analyses on colon sections were performed. Homozygous alpha(1)-AGP-transgenic mice started losing weight and showed rectal bleeding significantly earlier than heterozygous transgenic or wild-type mice. Survival time of homozygous transgenic mice was significantly shorter compared with heterozygous and wild-type mice. The higher susceptibility of homozygous alpha(1)-AGP-transgenic mice to DSS induced acute colitis was also reflected in higher local myeloperoxidase levels, higher inflammation scores of the colon, and higher systemic levels of interleukin 6 and serum amyloid P component. Local inflammatory parameters were also significantly different in heterozygous transgenic mice compared with wild-type mice, indicating a local dosage effect. In homozygous transgenic mice, significantly higher amounts of bacteria were found in organs but IgA levels were only slightly lower than those of control mice. Sufficiently high serum levels of alpha(1)-AGP result in a more aggressive development of acute colitis.

Racial and ethnic differences among children with new-onset autoimmune Type 1 diabetes.

PubMed

Gandhi, K; Tosur, M; Schaub, R; Haymond, M W; Redondo, M J

2017-10-01

To compare demographic and clinical characteristics among children from ethnic minorities and non-Hispanic white children with new-onset autoimmune Type 1 diabetes. We analysed a single-centre series of 712 children with new-onset autoimmune Type 1 diabetes between January 2008 and March 2011. The median (range) age was 9.7 (0.3-18.1) years, the mean (sd) BMI percentile was 69.7 (25.4) and 48.3% of the cohort were girls. The cohort comprised 57.3% non-Hispanic white, 20.5% Hispanic and 14.8% African-American children, and 7.4% were of other, mixed or unknown race. The Hispanic subgroup, compared with non-Hispanic white subgroup, had a higher mean (sd) C-peptide level [0.82 (1.62) vs 0.55 (0.47) ng/ml; P=0.004), and a greater proportion of children with elevated BMI (overweight or obesity; 49.6% vs 32.5%; P<0.001) and diabetic ketoacidosis (51.8% vs 38.2%; P=0.006). The African-American group had a higher mean (sd) glucose level [24.4 (12.8) vs 21.4 (10.7) mmol/l; P=0.017], a greater proportion of children with ketoacidosis (56.7% vs 38.2%; P=0.001), a greater proportion with elevated BMI (52.9% vs 32.5%; P<0.001), and a lower proportion of children at pre-pubertal stage (49.0% vs 61.6%; P=0.01), and tended to have higher C-peptide levels [0.65 (0.59) vs 0.55 [0.47] ng/ml; P=0.079) compared with the non-Hispanic white children. The differences in C-peptide levels compared with non-Hispanic white children persisted for Hispanic (P=0.01) but not African-American children (P=0.29) after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, ketoacidosis, glucose, Tanner stage and autoantibody number. At the onset of paediatric autoimmune Type 1 diabetes, Hispanic, but not African-American children had higher C-peptide levels, after adjustment for potential confounders, compared with non-Hispanic white children. These findings suggest that ethnicity may contribute to the heterogeneity of Type 1 diabetes pathogenesis, with possible implications for intervention. © 2017 Diabetes UK.

Self-perceived oral health and salivary proteins in children with type 1 diabetes.

PubMed

Javed, F; Sundin, U; Altamash, M; Klinge, B; Engström, P-E

2009-01-01

The aim was to validate self-perceived oral health with salivary IgG as an inflammatory parameter in children with type 1 diabetes. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected from 36 children with well controlled and 12 with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes and 40 non-diabetic children (Controls). Salivary flow rate, random blood glucose level, salivary protein concentration and immunoglobulin A and G levels were recorded using standard techniques. Data concerning oral health and diabetes status were collected. Self-perceived gingival bleeding (bleeding gums), bad breath and dry mouth were higher in diabetic children when compared with those in controls (P < 0.05). Gingival bleeding was frequently perceived by children with poorly controlled compared to well-controlled type 1 diabetes (P < 0.05) and controls (P < 0.001). Bad breath was common perceived by children with poorly controlled compared to well-controlled type 1 diabetes (P < 0.05) and controls (P < 0.0001). Salivary flow rate was lower in the diabetic children compared to controls (P < 0.01) with no difference between children with poorly controlled and well-controlled type 1 diabetes. Salivary IgG per mg protein concentration was higher in the diabetics when compared with the control group (P < 0.0001). IgG per mg protein levels were also higher in children with poorly controlled when compared with well-controlled type 1 diabetes (P < 0.05). There was no difference in IgA per mg protein and total protein concentrations between children with poorly controlled and well-controlled type 1 diabetes. Self-perceived gingival bleeding and salivary IgG per mg protein concentration were increased in children with type 1 diabetes compared with controls. These variables were also increased in children with poorly controlled compared with well-controlled type 1 diabetes.

Semi-metric analysis of the functional brain network: Relationship with familial risk for psychotic disorder

PubMed Central

Peeters, Sanne; Simas, Tiago; Suckling, John; Gronenschild, Ed; Patel, Ameera; Habets, Petra; van Os, Jim; Marcelis, Machteld

2015-01-01

Background Dysconnectivity in schizophrenia can be understood in terms of dysfunctional integration of a distributed network of brain regions. Here we propose a new methodology to analyze complex networks based on semi-metric behavior, whereby higher levels of semi-metricity may represent a higher level of redundancy and dispersed communication. It was hypothesized that individuals with (increased risk for) psychotic disorder would have more semi-metric paths compared to controls and that this would be associated with symptoms. Methods Resting-state functional MRI scans were obtained from 73 patients with psychotic disorder, 83 unaffected siblings and 72 controls. Semi-metric percentages (SMP) at the whole brain, hemispheric and lobar level were the dependent variables in a multilevel random regression analysis to investigate group differences. SMP was further examined in relation to symptomatology (i.e., psychotic/cognitive symptoms). Results At the whole brain and hemispheric level, patients had a significantly higher SMP compared to siblings and controls, with no difference between the latter. In the combined sibling and control group, individuals with high schizotypy had intermediate SMP values in the left hemisphere with respect to patients and individuals with low schizotypy. Exploratory analyses in patients revealed higher SMP in 12 out of 42 lobar divisions compared to controls, of which some were associated with worse PANSS symptomatology (i.e., positive symptoms, excitement and emotional distress) and worse cognitive performance on attention and emotion processing tasks. In the combined group of patients and controls, working memory, attention and social cognition were associated with higher SMP. Discussion The results are suggestive of more dispersed network communication in patients with psychotic disorder, with some evidence for trait-based network alterations in high-schizotypy individuals. Dispersed communication may contribute to the clinical phenotype in psychotic disorder. In addition, higher SMP may contribute to neuro- and social cognition, independent of psychosis risk. PMID:26740914

Low Cotinine Glucuronidation Results in Higher Serum and Saliva Cotinine in African American Compared to White Smokers.

PubMed

Murphy, Sharon E; Sipe, Christopher J; Choi, Kwangsoo; Raddatz, Leah M; Koopmeiners, Joseph S; Donny, Eric C; Hatsukami, Dorothy K

2017-07-01

Background: Tobacco exposure is often quantified by serum or saliva concentrations of the primary nicotine metabolite, cotinine. However, average cotinine concentrations are higher in African Americans (AA) compared with Whites with similar smoking levels. Cotinine is metabolized by UGT2B10 and CYP2A6, and low UGT2B10 activity is common in AA, due to the prevalence of a UGT2B10 splice variant. Methods: UGT2B10 activity was phenotyped in 1,446 smokers (34% AA) by measuring the percentage of cotinine excreted as a glucuronide. Urinary total nicotine equivalents (TNE), the sum of nicotine and 6 metabolites, were determined to quantify smoking dose, and cotinine and 3'-hydroxycotinine were quantified in saliva (study 1) or serum (study 2). Results: Ninety-seven smokers (78% AA) were null for UGT2B10 activity, and the saliva and serum cotinine levels, after adjustment for TNE and cigarettes per day (CPD), were 68% and 48% higher in these smokers compared with nonnull smokers ( P < 0.001). After adjustment for TNE and CPD, salivary cotinine was 35% higher, and serum cotinine 24% higher in AA versus White smokers, but with additional adjustment for UGT2B10 activity, there were no significant differences in saliva and serum cotinine concentrations between these two groups. Conclusions: UGT2B10 activity significantly influences plasma cotinine levels, and higher cotinine concentrations in AA versus White smokers (after adjustment for smoking dose) result from lower levels of UGT2B10-catalyzed cotinine glucuronidation by AA. Impact: UGT2B10 activity or genotype should be considered when using cotinine as a tobacco exposure biomarker, particularly in populations such as AA with high frequencies of UGT2B10 nonfunctional variants. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(7); 1093-9. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

Cellulosic fraction of rice bran fibre alters the conformation and inhibits the activity of porcine pancreatic lipase

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The anti-lipase properties of insoluble dietary fiber obtained from rice bran treated with H2SO4 followed by 1.25% KOH were investigated and compared. Porcine pancreatic lipase (PL) adsorbed with higher velocity and saturated at a higher level on the rice bran fibers prepared with higher concentrat...

Determinants and Options in the Development of Higher Education in Poland.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jozefowicz, Adam; Kluczynski, Jan

Trends affecting the future development of higher education in Poland are considered. It is projected that the demographic pool of higher education enrollment will in 1995-2000 return to a level roughly comparable with the peak pressures for college entry in the years 1971-75. It is suggested that demographic changes alone can explain but a…

The Retreat from Widening Participation? The National Scholarship Programme and New Access Agreements in English Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCaig, Colin

2016-01-01

This article critically analyses the impact of reforms to the student financial support system in English higher education. Comparative analysis of financial support mechanisms and patterns of outreach engagement with groups underrepresented in higher education show a marked deterioration in the levels of cash support available and an increasingly…

Sex Differences in Cortisol Level and Neurobehavioral Disinhibition in Children of Substance Abusers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pajer, Kathleen; Gardner, William; Kirillova, Galina P.; Vanyukov, Michael M.

2001-01-01

Determines the extent to which cortisol level covaries with psychological dysregulation. Results indicated that dysregulation was higher and cortisol level lower in boys compared to girls. Concludes that boys and girls differ with respect to biochemical indicators of stress reactivity underlying psychological dysregulation, a putative phenotype…

Dietary habits and physical activity levels in Jordanian adolescents attending private versus public schools.

PubMed

Tayyem, R F; Al-Hazzaa, H M; Abu-Mweis, S S; Bawadi, H A; Hammad, S S; Musaiger, A O

2014-07-08

The present study examined differences in dietary habits and physical activity levels between students attending private and public high schools in Jordan. A total of 386 secondary-school males and 349 females aged 14-18 years were randomly recruited using a multistage, stratified, cluster sampling technique. Dietary habits and physical activity level were self-reported in a validated questionnaire. The prevalence of obesity was significantly higher among adolescents in private (26.0%) than in public schools (16.7%). The frequency of breakfast intake was significantly higher among adolescents in private schools, whereas French fries and sweets intake was significantly higher in public schools. Television viewing showed a significant interaction with school type by sex. A higher rate of inactivity was found among students attending private schools. Despite a slightly better overall dietary profile for students in private schools, they had a higher rate of overweight and obesity compared with those in public schools.

Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in human apical periodontitis: Correlation with clinical and histological findings.

PubMed

Jakovljevic, Aleksandar; Knezevic, Aleksandra; Karalic, Danijela; Soldatovic, Ivan; Popovic, Branka; Milasin, Jelena; Andric, Miroslav

2015-08-01

This study aimed to compare the levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) between apical periodontitis lesions with different clinical and histological features. Based on clinical data and history of disease, 100 human apical periodontitis lesions were categorised as either asymptomatic or symptomatic lesions. According to histological examination, lesions were divided into periapical granulomas and radicular cysts. Pulp tissues of 25 impacted wisdom teeth were used as controls. Homogenised tissue samples were centrifuged and supernatants were used for the determination of cytokine levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Significantly higher levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were found in symptomatic lesions compared with asymptomatic lesions and control tissues (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). The concentration of IL-1β was significantly higher in radicular cysts compared with periapical granulomas (P = 0.003). Symptomatic lesions, as judged by high local production of IL-1β and IL-6, represent an immunologically active stage of the disease. © 2014 Australian Society of Endodontology.

Cigarette smoking and hyperglycemia increase renal response to low levels of cadmium in welders: cystatin C as a sensitive marker.

PubMed

Harisa, Gamaleldin I; Attia, Sabry M; Ashour, Abdelkader E; Abdallah, Gamil M; Omran, Gamal A; Touliabah, Hussein E

2014-06-01

The present study was undertaken to investigate the utility of cystatin C (CysC) as an early biomarker of cadmium (Cd)-induced renal injury. The study was carried out on 50 adult male individuals divided into five groups of 10 individuals as follows: control, welders, smoker welders, diabetic welders, and smoker diabetic welders. The results indicated that plasma levels of CysC, creatinine, urea, and uric acid were significantly higher in welders compared to control individuals. In addition, the levels of whole blood Cd, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation products as well as erythrocyte osmotic fragility were significantly higher in welders compared to control individuals. In contrast, the levels of plasma albumin and whole blood glutathione were significantly decreased in welders compared to control individuals. The alterations of the measured parameters were enhanced in the presence of smoking and hyperglycemia besides exposure to welding fumes. These results suggest that CysC can be used as a sensitive biomarker of the early stages of Cd-induced renal injury.

Anti-diabetic activity of Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. leaves' polysaccharide in STZ-induced diabetic mice.

PubMed

Wang, Li; Zhang, Ying; Xu, Maochao; Wang, Yingyao; Cheng, Sujiao; Liebrecht, Alex; Qian, Haifeng; Zhang, Hui; Qi, Xiguang

2013-10-01

Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. (VBT) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. The anti-diabetic activity of VBT leaves' polysaccharide (VBTLP) is studied in this paper. The results indicated VBTLP had a dose-dependent decrease on the blood glucose (BG) level, and the time effect of VBTLP on BG level was also significant. The insulin level of high dose group (HDG) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of model control (MC) group. Compared to MC, HDG and lose dose group (LDG) had significantly lower (p<0.05) TC and LDL-C levels, however, TG and HDL-C levels are similar. Compared to non-diabetic control (NC), HDG and LDG had similar plasma lipid levels except for higher LDL-C level. Although body weights of LDG and HDG were significant lower (p<0.05) than that of NC from week 2 to week 6, they were similar to that of PC. The results indicate VBTLP possesses a potential hypoglycemic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hypertension and its treatment in a New Zealand multicultural workforce.

PubMed

Scragg, R; Baker, J; Metcalf, P; Dryson, E

1993-04-28

To investigate ethnic variations in blood pressure levels and the likelihood of hypertension being treated in a multicultural New Zealand workforce. An employed population of 5651 staff aged 40 to 64 years at worksites in Auckland and Tokoroa, who recorded their current prescribed medication, were measured for blood pressure, weight and height. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Mean blood pressure levels were higher in men than women, and increased with age and BMI. Compared with Europeans, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were higher in Maori (by 5 to 6 mmHg), Pacific Islanders (by 4 to 6 mmHg) and Asians (by 1 to 5 mmHg) after controlling for age and blood pressure treatment. This increase in Maori and Pacific Islanders, compared with Europeans, was approximately halved after also controlling for BMI, but still remained statistically significant (p < 0.05). In contrast, ethnic differences in BMI did not explain any of the blood pressure increase in Asians. In analyses restricted to hypertensive participants, the likelihood of hypertension being treated was higher in women than men (odds ratio (OR) = 3.42; 95% CI 2.13, 5.47), and lower in Maori (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.19, 0.58), Pacific Islanders (OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.16, 0.47) and Asians (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.10, 0.86) than Europeans. These results suggest that the likelihood of hypertension being treated is related to sex and ethnic group; and that other unknown factors, in addition to increased BMI levels, explain the higher blood pressure levels in Polynesians compared to Europeans.

High Expression of Galectin-3 in Patients with IgG4-Related Disease: A Proteomic Approach.

PubMed

Salah, Adeeb; Yoshifuji, Hajime; Ito, Shinji; Kitagori, Koji; Kiso, Kaori; Yamada, Norishige; Nakajima, Toshiki; Haga, Hironori; Tsuruyama, Tatsuaki; Miyagawa-Hayashino, Aya

2017-01-01

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a multiorgan condition manifesting itself in different forms. This study aimed to investigate protein expression profiles and to find the possible biomarker for IgG4-RD by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) using tissue sections in IgG4-RD patients. Protein expression profiles in five IgG4-related pancreatitis and three normal pancreatic samples were compared using LC-MS and were validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry. ELISA was employed in the serum of 20 patients with systemic IgG4-RD before and during steroid treatment. LC-MS indicated that the levels of 17 proteins were significantly higher and 12 others were significantly lower in IgG4-related pancreatitis patients compared to controls. Among these proteins, galectin-3 levels were 13-fold higher in IgG4-related pancreatitis ( P < 0.01). These results were confirmed by immunoblotting and qRT-PCR. The average number of galectin-3 + cells in various organs of IgG4-RD patients, including salivary glands, lungs, and lymph nodes, was higher than in controls. Galectin-3 was detectable in macrophages, dendritic cells, and stromal myofibroblast-like cells, but not in lymphocytes by immunofluorescence staining. Serum galectin-3 levels were higher in patients with IgG4-RD compared with healthy donors and remained high during steroid therapy. Galectin-3 was overexpressed in IgG4-RD and the levels were indirectly related to clinical activity.

High Expression of Galectin-3 in Patients with IgG4-Related Disease: A Proteomic Approach

PubMed Central

Salah, Adeeb; Yoshifuji, Hajime; Ito, Shinji; Kitagori, Koji; Kiso, Kaori; Yamada, Norishige; Nakajima, Toshiki; Haga, Hironori; Tsuruyama, Tatsuaki

2017-01-01

Objectives Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a multiorgan condition manifesting itself in different forms. This study aimed to investigate protein expression profiles and to find the possible biomarker for IgG4-RD by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) using tissue sections in IgG4-RD patients. Methods Protein expression profiles in five IgG4-related pancreatitis and three normal pancreatic samples were compared using LC-MS and were validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry. ELISA was employed in the serum of 20 patients with systemic IgG4-RD before and during steroid treatment. Results LC-MS indicated that the levels of 17 proteins were significantly higher and 12 others were significantly lower in IgG4-related pancreatitis patients compared to controls. Among these proteins, galectin-3 levels were 13-fold higher in IgG4-related pancreatitis (P < 0.01). These results were confirmed by immunoblotting and qRT-PCR. The average number of galectin-3 + cells in various organs of IgG4-RD patients, including salivary glands, lungs, and lymph nodes, was higher than in controls. Galectin-3 was detectable in macrophages, dendritic cells, and stromal myofibroblast-like cells, but not in lymphocytes by immunofluorescence staining. Serum galectin-3 levels were higher in patients with IgG4-RD compared with healthy donors and remained high during steroid therapy. Conclusion Galectin-3 was overexpressed in IgG4-RD and the levels were indirectly related to clinical activity. PMID:28593065

Nutritional status among women with pre-eclampsia and healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women in a Latin American country.

PubMed

Reyes, Laura; Garcia, Ronald; Ruiz, Silvia; Dehghan, Mahshid; López-Jaramillo, Patricio

2012-03-01

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. It has been proposed that, among other risk factors, the nutritional status of women can lead to the endothelial dysfunction that characterizes this entity. The aim of the present study was to compare the nutritional status of women with PE with healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women. A multicenter case-control study was carried out. Between September 2006 and July 2009, 201 women with PE were compared with 201 pregnant, and 201 non-pregnant aged-matched women without cardiovascular or endocrine diseases. A clinical history and physical examination was performed. Fasting blood samples were drawn to measure serum glucose and lipid profile. The nutritional status of participants was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. The average age of women was 26.6 ± 7.2 years. Compared to healthy pregnant controls, women with PE had a higher body mass index, higher fasting blood glucose levels, higher triglycerides, and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Women with PE had a higher intake of carbohydrates, energy intake and cereal compared to healthy pregnant and non-pregnant controls. A conditional logistic regression demonstrated that carbohydrate and sodium intake are associated with PE development. Diets of women with PE were characterized by higher energy and carbohydrate intake compared to normal pregnant and non-pregnant women. This suggests that higher carbohydrate and sodium intake increases the risk of PE among women in Colombia. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research © 2012 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Variability in regional background aerosols within the Mediterranean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Querol, X.; Alastuey, A.; Pey, J.; Cusack, M.; Pérez, N.; Mihalopoulos, N.; Theodosi, C.; Gerasopoulos, E.; Kubilay, N.; Koçak, M.

2009-04-01

The main objective of this study is the identification of major factors controlling levels and chemical composition of aerosols in the regional background (RB) along the Mediterranean Basin (MB). To this end, data on PM levels and speciation from Montseny (MSY, Northeastern Spain), Finokalia (FKL, Southern Greece) and Erdemli (ERL, Southern Turkey) for the period 2001 to 2008 are evaluated. Important differences on PM levels and composition are evident when comparing the Western and Eastern MBs. The results manifest W-E and N-S PM10 and PM2.5 gradients along the MB, attributed to the higher frequency and intensity of African dust outbreaks in the EMB, while for PM1 very similar levels are encountered. PM in the EMB is characterized by higher levels of crustal material and sulphate as compared to WMB (and central European sites), however, RB nitrate and OC+EC levels are relatively constant across the Mediterranean and lower than other European sites. Marked seasonal trends are evidenced for PM levels, nitrate (WMB), ammonium and sulphate. Also relatively higher levels of V and Ni (WMB) are measured in the Mediterranean basin, probably as a consequence of high emissions from fuel-oil combustion (power generation, industrial and shipping emissions). Enhanced sulphate levels in EMB compared to WMB were measured. The high levels of sulphate in the EMB may deplete the available gas-phase NH3 so that little ammonium nitrate can form due to the low NH3 levels. This study illustrates the existence of three very important features within the Mediterranean that need to be accounted for when modeling climate effects of aerosols in the area, namely: (a) the increasing gradient of dust from WMB to EMB; (b) the change of hygroscopic behavior of mineral aerosols (dust) via nitration and sulphation; and (c) the abundance of highly hygroscopic aerosols during high insolation (low cloud formation) periods.

Variability in regional background aerosols within the Mediterranean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Querol, X.; Alastuey, A.; Pey, J.; Cusack, M.; Pérez, N.; Mihalopoulos, N.; Theodosi, C.; Gerasopoulos, E.; Kubilay, N.; Koçak, M.

2009-07-01

The main objective of this study is the identification of major factors controlling levels and chemical composition of aerosols in the regional background (RB) along the Mediterranean Basin (MB). To this end, data on PM levels and speciation from Montseny (MSY, NE Spain), Finokalia (FKL, Southern Greece) and Erdemli (ERL, Southern Turkey) for the period 2001 to 2008 are evaluated. Important differences on PM levels and composition are evident when comparing the Western and Eastern MBs. The results manifest W-E and N-S PM10 and PM2.5 gradients along the MB, attributed to the higher frequency and intensity of African dust outbreaks in the EMB, while for PM1 very similar levels are encountered. PM in the EMB is characterized by higher levels of crustal material and sulphate as compared to WMB (and central European sites), however, RB nitrate and OC + EC levels are relatively constant across the Mediterranean and lower than other European sites. Marked seasonal trends are evidenced for PM levels, nitrate (WMB), ammonium and sulphate. Also relatively higher levels of V and Ni (WMB) are measured in the Mediterranean basin, probably as a consequence of high emissions from fuel-oil combustion (power generation, industrial and shipping emissions). Enhanced sulphate levels in EMB compared to WMB were measured. The high levels of sulphate in the EMB may deplete the available gas-phase NH3 so that little ammonium nitrate can form due to the low NH3 levels. This study illustrates the existence of three very important features within the Mediterranean that need to be accounted for when modeling climate effects of aerosols in the area, namely: a) the increasing gradient of dust from WMB to EMB; b) the change of hygroscopic behavior of mineral aerosols (dust) via nitration and sulfation; and c) the abundance of highly hygroscopic aerosols during high insolation (low cloud formation) periods.

Alternative dosing of prophylactic enoxaparin in the trauma patient: is more the answer?

PubMed

Kopelman, Tammy R; O'Neill, Patrick J; Pieri, Paola G; Salomone, Jeffrey P; Hall, Scott T; Quan, Asia; Wells, Jordan R; Pressman, Melissa S

2013-12-01

Inadequate anti-factor Xa levels and increased venous thromboembolic events occur in trauma patients receiving standard prophylactic enoxaparin dosing. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that higher dosing (40 mg twice daily) would improve peak anti-Xa levels and decrease venous thromboembolism. A retrospective review was performed of trauma patients who received prophylactic enoxaparin and peak anti-Xa levels over 27 months. Patients were divided on the basis of dose: group A received 30 mg twice daily, and group B received 40 mg twice daily. Demographics and rates of venous thromboembolism were compared between dose groups and patients with inadequate or adequate anti-Xa levels. One hundred twenty-four patients were included, 90 in group A and 34 in group B. Demographics were similar, except that patients in group B had a higher mean body weight. Despite this, only 9% of group B patients had inadequate anti-Xa levels, compared with 33% of those in group A (P = .01). Imaging studies were available in 69 patients and revealed 8 venous thromboembolic events (P = NS, group A vs group B) with significantly more venous thromboembolic events occurring in patients with low anti-Xa levels (P = .02). Although higher dosing of enoxaparin led to improved anti-Xa levels, this did not equate to a statistical decrease in venous thromboembolism. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

ALA16VAL-MnSOD gene polymorphism and stroke: Association with dyslipidemia and glucose levels.

PubMed

Flores, Ariane Ethur; Pascotini, Eduardo Tanuri; Kegler, Aline; Gabbi, Patricia; Bochi, Guilherme Vargas; Barbisan, Fernanda; Duarte, Thiago; Prado, Ana Lucia Cervi; Duarte, Marta M M F; da Cruz, Ivana B M; Moresco, Rafael Noal; Santos, Adair Roberto Soares; Bresciani, Guilherme; Royes, Luiz Fernando Freire; Fighera, Michele Rechia

2017-09-05

Stroke risk has been associated to the progression of carotid plaques due to high glucose levels and lipid accumulation, which are greatly associated to cerebral injury, brain oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The ALA16VAL-MnSOD gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has shown to modulate risk factors of several metabolic and vascular diseases, such as blood glucose (GLU) and lipid levels. However, the association of these factors in stroke patients has not been studied to date. Thus, we evaluated the influence of the Ala16Val-MnSOD SNP on lipid profile, GLU levels, oxidative and DNA damage of 44 patients in a late phase of stroke (>6months). The statistical analysis showed a greater proportion of VV carries in stroke patients. The results also indicated that stroke patients had higher cholesterol (CHO) and GLU levels when compared to healthy counterparts. Interestingly, V allele carriers with stroke showed higher levels of CHO and GLU when compared to AA stroke and healthy counterparts. Our findings suggest that oxidative stress markers are still increased even after 6 months of cerebral injury. Furthermore, we propose that the Ala16Val-MnSOD SNPs may contribute to hypercholesterolemia and higher GLU levels, increasing the risk to neurovascular events that may lead to stroke. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sex specific differences in hepatic and plasma lipid profiles in healthy cats pre and post spaying and neutering: relationship with feline hepatic lipidosis.

PubMed

Valtolina, Chiara; Vaandrager, Arie B; Favier, Robert P; Tuohetahuntila, Maidina; Kummeling, Anne; Jeusette, Isabelle; Rothuizen, Jan; Robben, Joris H

2017-08-08

A link between lipid metabolism and disease has been recognized in cats. Since hepatic lipidosis is a frequent disorder in cats, the aim of the current study was to evaluate liver and plasma lipid dimorphism in healthy cats and the effects of gonadectomy on lipid profiling. From six female and six male cats plasma and liver lipid profiles before and after spaying/neutering were assessed and compared to five cats (three neutered male and two spayed female) diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis. Intact female cats had a significantly lower level of plasma triacylglycerides (TAG) and a higher liver level of the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid arachidonic acid (AA) compared to their neutered state. Both male and female cats with lipidosis had a higher liver, but not plasma TAG level and an increased level of plasma and liver sphingomyelin compared to the healthy cats. Although lipid dimorphism in healthy cats resembles that of other species, intact female cats show differences in metabolic configuration that could predispose them to develop hepatic lipidosis. The increased sphingomyelin levels in cats with lipidosis could suggest a potential role in the pathogenesis of hepatic lipidosis in cats.

Residual formaldehyde after low-temperature steam and formaldehyde sterilization

PubMed Central

Gibson, G. L.; Johnston, H. P.; Turkington, V. E.

1968-01-01

The levels of formaldehyde remaining in various articles have been estimated immediately after a low-temperature steam and formaldehyde sterilizing process and after various periods of aeration. These levels have been compared with the levels of ethylene oxide remaining after exposure to an ethylene oxide sterilizing process. In rubber and polythene and a plastic, formaldehyde levels are low and slowly fall even further. Ethylene oxide levels are relatively much higher even after seven days' aeration. It is not considered that the residual levels of formaldehyde in rubber, polythene, and a plastic should constitute a danger. Residual levels of formaldehyde in fabrics and paper are higher but this may be of value by giving a self-disinfecting action on storage. PMID:5717551

Influence of Estimated Training Status on Anti and Pro-Oxidant Activity, Nitrite Concentration, and Blood Pressure in Middle-Aged and Older Women

PubMed Central

Jacomini, André M.; Dias, Danielle da Silva; Brito, Janaina de Oliveira; da Silva, Roberta F.; Monteiro, Henrique L.; Llesuy, Susana; De Angelis, Kátia; Amaral, Sandra L.; Zago, Anderson S.

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the association between anti and pro-oxidant activity, nitrite concentration, and blood pressure (BP) in middle-aged and older women with different levels of estimated training status (TS). The sample consisted of 155 females (50–84 years) who were submitted to a physical examination to evaluate estimated TS through the “Functional Fitness Battery Test,” BP measurements, and plasma blood samples to evaluate pro-oxidant and antioxidant activity and nitrite concentrations. Participants were separated by age into a middle-aged group (<65 years) and an older (≥65 years) group and then subdivided in each group according to TS. Blood biochemistry was similar between groups. On the other hand, protein oxidation was lower in participants with higher TS, independent of age. Older females with higher TS presented higher nitrite concentrations, lower lipoperoxidation, and lower values of BP compared with those with lower TS. Lower GPx activity was observed in participants with higher TS compared with middle-aged with lower TS. Thus, our results suggest that good levels of TS may be associated with lower oxidative stress and higher nitrite concentration and may contribute to maintain normal or reduced blood pressure values. PMID:28326041

Influence of Estimated Training Status on Anti and Pro-Oxidant Activity, Nitrite Concentration, and Blood Pressure in Middle-Aged and Older Women.

PubMed

Jacomini, André M; Dias, Danielle da Silva; Brito, Janaina de Oliveira; da Silva, Roberta F; Monteiro, Henrique L; Llesuy, Susana; De Angelis, Kátia; Amaral, Sandra L; Zago, Anderson S

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the association between anti and pro-oxidant activity, nitrite concentration, and blood pressure (BP) in middle-aged and older women with different levels of estimated training status (TS). The sample consisted of 155 females (50-84 years) who were submitted to a physical examination to evaluate estimated TS through the "Functional Fitness Battery Test," BP measurements, and plasma blood samples to evaluate pro-oxidant and antioxidant activity and nitrite concentrations. Participants were separated by age into a middle-aged group (<65 years) and an older (≥65 years) group and then subdivided in each group according to TS. Blood biochemistry was similar between groups. On the other hand, protein oxidation was lower in participants with higher TS, independent of age. Older females with higher TS presented higher nitrite concentrations, lower lipoperoxidation, and lower values of BP compared with those with lower TS. Lower GPx activity was observed in participants with higher TS compared with middle-aged with lower TS. Thus, our results suggest that good levels of TS may be associated with lower oxidative stress and higher nitrite concentration and may contribute to maintain normal or reduced blood pressure values.

Stigma experienced by patients with severe mental disorders: A nationwide multicentric study from India.

PubMed

Grover, Sandeep; Avasthi, Ajit; Singh, Aakanksha; Dan, Amitava; Neogi, Rajarshi; Kaur, Darpan; Lakdawala, Bhavesh; Rozatkar, Abhijit R; Nebhinani, Naresh; Patra, Suravi; Sivashankar, Priya; Subramanyam, Alka A; Tripathi, Adarsh; Gania, Ab Majid; Singh, Gurvinder Pal; Behere, Prakash

2017-11-01

This study aimed to evaluate the stigma and its correlates among patients with severe mental disorders. Patients with diagnosis of schizophrenia (N = 707), bipolar disorder (N = 344) and recurrent depressive disorder (N = 352) currently in clinical remission from 14 participating centres were assessed on Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMIS). Patients with diagnosis of schizophrenia experienced higher level of alienation, sterotype endorsement, discrimination experience and total stigma when compared to patients with bipolar disorder and recurrent depressive disorder. Patients with bipolar disorder experienced higher stigma than those with recurrent depressive disorder in the domain of stigma resistance only. Overall compared to affective disorder groups, higher proportion of patients with schizophrenia reported stigma in all the domains of ISMIS. In general in all the 3 diagnostic groups' stigma was associated with shorter duration of illness, shorter duration of treatment and younger age of onset. To conclude, this study suggests that compared to affective disorder, patients with schizophrenia experience higher self stigma. Higher level of stigma is experienced during the early phase of illness. Stigma intervention programs must focus on patients during the initial phase of illness in order to reduce the negative consequences of stigma. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cortisol Levels in Relation to Maternal Interaction and Child Internalizing Behavior in Preterm and Full-Term Children at 18 Months Corrected Age

PubMed Central

Brummelte, Susanne; Grunau, Ruth E.; Zaidman-Zait, Anat; Weinberg, Joanne; Nordstokke, David; Cepeda, Ivan L.

2011-01-01

Cortisol levels were compared in children born preterm at extremely low gestational age (ELGA; 24–28 weeks), very low gestational age (VLGA; 29–32 weeks), and full-term in response to cognitive assessment at 18 months corrected age (CA). Further, we investigated the relationship between maternal interactive behaviors and child internalizing behaviors (rated by the mother) in relation to child cortisol levels. ELGA children had higher “pretest” cortisol levels and a different pattern of cortisol response to cognitive assessment compared to VLGA and full-terms. Higher cortisol levels in ELGA, but not full-term, children were associated with less optimal mother interactive behavior. Moreover, the pattern of cortisol change was related to internalizing behaviors among ELGA, and to a lesser degree VLGA children. In conclusion, our findings suggest altered programming of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in preterm children, as well as their greater sensitivity to environmental context such as maternal interactive behavior. PMID:21298633

A socio-ecological model for unintentional injuries in minorities: a case study of Arab Israeli children.

PubMed

Baron-Epel, Orna; Ivancovsky, Michal

2015-01-01

Minority children have often been reported to be at high risk of injury. The higher levels of reported unintentional injuries among Arab children compared to Jewish children in Israel are mainly due to pedestrian traffic crashes, falls and burns. Arab children aged 1-4 years have a higher relative risk of injury compared to Jews. We suggest a socio-ecological model to explain these differences in risk based on individual, interpersonal, community and societal ecological levels of society. Each level is divided into social and physical environments and behaviour. Two main factors may contribute to the high rates of injury among Arab children: the quality of the physical environment in which the children live and play and the levels of child supervision. Socio-economic status may contribute to these differences at all ecological levels of society. This approach could be useful for researchers and practitioners to analyse similar issues in other communities and help develop appropriate interventions.

Social drift of cardiovascular disease risk factors in Africans from the North West Province of South Africa: the PURE study.

PubMed

Pisa, P T; Behanan, R; Vorster, H H; Kruger, A

2012-08-01

This study examined whether the association between socio-economic status (SES) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in black South Africans from the North West Province had shifted from the more affluent groups with higher SES to the less affluent, lower SES groups over a period of nine years. Cross-sectional baseline data of 2 010 urban and rural subjects (35 years and older) participating in the Prospective Urban and Rural (PURE) study and collected in 2005 were analysed to examine the relationship of level of education, employment and urban or rural residence with dietary intakes and other CVD risk factors. These relationships were compared to those found nine years earlier in the Transition and Health during the Urbanisation of South Africans (THUSA) study conducted in the same area. The results showed that urban women had higher body mass index (BMI), serum triglyceride and fasting glucose levels compared to rural women and that both urban men and women had higher blood pressures and followed a more Westernised diet. However, rural men and women had higher plasma fibrinogen levels. The more highly educated subjects (which included both urban and rural subjects) were younger than those with no or only primary school education. Few of the risk factors differed significantly between education groups, except that more highly educated men and women had lower BMIs, and women had lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels. These women also followed a more prudent diet than those with only primary school education. Employed men and women had higher BMIs, higher energy intakes but lower plasma fibrinogen levels, and employed women had lower triglyceride levels. No significant differences in total serum cholesterol values were observed. These results suggest a drift of CVD risk factors from groups with higher SES to groups with a lower SES from 1996 to 2005, indicating that interventions to prevent CVD should also be targeted at Africans living in rural areas, those with low educational levels, and the unemployed.

Testosterone and Aggression.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Archer, John

1994-01-01

Studies comparing aggressive and nonaggressive prisoners show higher testosterone levels among the former. While there is limited evidence for a strong association between aggressiveness and testosterone during adolescence, other studies indicate that testosterone levels are responsive to influences from the social environment, particularly those…

Endocrine disruptors and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): elevated serum levels of bisphenol A in women with PCOS.

PubMed

Kandaraki, Eleni; Chatzigeorgiou, Antonis; Livadas, Sarantis; Palioura, Eleni; Economou, Frangiscos; Koutsilieris, Michael; Palimeri, Sotiria; Panidis, Dimitrios; Diamanti-Kandarakis, Evanthia

2011-03-01

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread industrial compound used in the synthesis of polycarbonate plastics. In experimental animals, neonatal exposure to BPA results in a polycystic ovary-like syndrome (PCOS) in adulthood. A bidirectional interaction between androgens and BPA levels has been disclosed. To determine BPA levels in PCOS women as well as the association between BPA and hormonal/metabolic parameters compared to a control group. Cross-sectional study of 71 PCOS (National Institutes of Health criteria) and 100 normal women, age- and body mass index-matched, in a University hospital setting. Anthropometric, hormonal, metabolic parameters and BPA blood levels were determined. Patients (PCOS) and controls (C) were further subdivided according to body mass index into lean and overweight subgroups, respectively. BPA levels were significantly higher in the total PCOS group compared with the controls (1.05±0.56 vs. 0.72±0.37 ng/ml, P < 0.001). PCOS women, lean (PCOS-L) and overweight (PCOS-OW), had higher BPA levels compared to the corresponding control group lean (C-L) and overweight (C-OW): (PCOS-L = 1.13±0.63 vs. C-L = 0.70±0.36, P < 0.001) (PCOS-OW = 0.96 ± 0.46 vs. C-OW = 0.72 ± 0.39, P < 0.05). A significant association of testosterone (r = 0.192, P < 0.05) and androstenedione (r = 0.257, P < 0.05) with BPA was observed. Multiple regression analysis for BPA showed significant correlation with the existence of PCOS (r = 0.497, P < 0.05). BPA was also positively correlated with insulin resistance (Matsuda index) in the PCOS group (r = 0.273, P < 0.05). Higher BPA levels in PCOS women compared to controls and a statistically significant positive association between androgens and BPA point to a potential role of this endocrine disruptor in PCOS pathophysiology.

Periodontal Status and Whole Salivary Cytokine Profile Among Smokers and Never-Smokers With and Without Prediabetes.

PubMed

Javed, Fawad; Al-Kheraif, Abdulaziz A; Al Amri, Mohammad D; Alshehri, Mohammed; Vohra, Fahim; Al-Askar, Mansour; Malmstrom, Hans; Romanos, Georgios E

2015-07-01

Whole salivary interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in smokers and never-smokers with prediabetes remains uninvestigated. The aim of this study is to assess the periodontal status and whole salivary IL-1β and IL-6 levels among smokers and never-smokers with and without prediabetes (controls). Ninety-five males (45 with prediabetes and 50 systemically healthy controls) were included. Twenty-seven controls and 29 patients with prediabetes were smokers. Periodontal parameters (plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and marginal bone loss) were measured, and the number of missing teeth were recorded. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were recorded. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected, unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR) was determined, and IL-1β and IL-6 levels were measured. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. FBG (P <0.05) and HbA1c (P <0.05) levels were higher among patients with prediabetes than controls. All patients with prediabetes were hyperglycemic. UWSFR was significantly higher among controls than among patients with prediabetes (P <0.05). Periodontal parameters and whole salivary IL-1β and IL-6 levels were comparable among smokers and never-smokers with prediabetes. Among controls, periodontal parameters and whole salivary IL-1β and IL-6 levels were higher among smokers than never-smokers (P <0.05). Among controls, periodontal inflammation was worse, and whole salivary IL-1β and IL-6 levels are higher in smokers than never-smokers. Among patients with prediabetes, periodontal inflammation and whole salivary IL-1β and IL-6 levels were comparable between smokers and never-smokers.

[''Liva"--population survey of female sexual habits].

PubMed

Olesen, Tina Bech; Jensen, Kirsten Egebjerg; Munk, Christian; Tolstrup, Janne Schurmann; Kjaer, Susanne Krüger

2010-11-22

Sexual and contraceptive habits, e.g. early age at first intercourse, multiple sexual partners and non-use of condoms, are well-established risk factors for sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy. The aim was to examine if and how educational level and degree of urbanization are related to age at first intercourse, lifetime number of sexual partners and condom use. We used data from a large population-based questionnaire survey conducted during 2004-2005, including a random sample of 20,478 women (18-45 years) (participation rate: 81.4%). We used multiple logistic regression analysis to estimate odds ratios (OR) of early sexual debut (≤ 15 years old), having had > 5 lifetime sexual partners and never-use of condoms associated with educational level and degree of urbanization. The OR of having had an early sexual debut was almost twofold higher among women with a lower educational level (OR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.73-2.15) than among women with higher educational level, and the OR of having had > 5 lifetime sexual partners was highest among women in the capital centre (OR = 2.36; 95% CI: 2.16-2.57) compared with women in the small provincial town areas. Furthermore, the OR of never-use of condoms was 2.53 (95% CI: 2.15-2.97) for women with a lower educational level compared with those with a higher educational level (mutually adjusted for age, degree of urbanization and educational level). Low educational level is associated with young age at first sexual intercourse and never-use of condoms, and living in an area of high urbanization is associated with a higher lifetime number of sexual partners. This information may be of importance for prevention in relation to women's reproductive health.

Maternal and neonatal copeptin levels at cesarean section and vaginal delivery.

PubMed

Foda, Ashraf A; Abdel Aal, Ibrahim A

2012-12-01

The objective of the study was to measure the copeptin levels in maternal serum and umbilical cord serum at cesarean section and vaginal delivery in normotensive pregnancy and pre-eclamptic women. This was a prospective study at Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt. Ninety cases were included. They were divided into six groups: (1) normal pregnancy near term, as a control group, (2) primiparas who had vaginal delivery, (3) primiparas who had vaginal delivery and mild preeclampsia, (4) elective repeat cesarean section, (5) intrapartum cesarean section for indications other than fetal distress, and (6) intrapartum cesarean section for fetal distress. Serum copeptin concentrations were quantified with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mean, standard deviation, and paired t-test were used to test for significant change in quantitative data. The vaginal delivery groups had higher levels of maternal serum copeptin than the elective cesarean section group (P<0.01). Higher maternal serum copeptin levels were found in cases with pre-eclampsia as compared with the normotensive cases. The maternal copeptin levels during intrapartum cesarean section were higher than that during elective repeat cesarean section. There was a significant correlation between maternal copeptin levels and the duration of the first stage. In the presence of fetal distress, umbilical cord serum copeptin levels were significantly higher than other groups. Vaginal delivery can be very painful and stressful, and is accompanied by a marked increase of maternal serum copeptin. Increased maternal levels of serum copeptin were found in cases with pre-eclampsia as compared with the normotensive cases, and it may be helpful in assessing the disease. Intrauterine fetal distress is a strong stimulus to the release of copeptin into the fetal circulation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

High cyclophilin D content of synaptic mitochondria results in increased vulnerability to permeability transition.

PubMed

Naga, Kranthi Kumari; Sullivan, Patrick G; Geddes, James W

2007-07-11

Mitochondria isolated from synaptosomes are more sensitive to Ca2+ overload and the resultant opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) than nonsynaptic mitochondria. To identify the mechanisms underlying these differences in Ca2+ dynamics, we examined relative levels of mPTP components in synaptic versus nonsynaptic mitochondria. Synaptic mitochondria had higher levels of cyclophilin D when compared with nonsynaptic mitochondria, whereas levels of the voltage-dependent anion channel and the adenine nucleotide translocase were similar in the two mitochondrial fractions. These differences in Ca2+ handling between synaptic and nonsynaptic mitochondria were greatly reduced in cyclophilin D null [Ppif-/- (peptidylprolyl isomerase F)] mice. Higher concentrations of cyclosporine A, which interacts with cyclophilin D to delay mPTP opening, were necessary to increase the Ca2+ uptake capacity of synaptic versus nonsynaptic mitochondria. To determine whether the differences in Ca2+ handling might reflect the relative abundance of neuronal and glial mitochondria in the two mitochondrial fractions, we compared cyclophilin D levels in primary cortical neurons and astrocytes. Primary rat cortical neurons possess higher cyclophilin D levels than do primary astrocytes. In the adult rat brain, cyclophilin D immunoreactivity was abundant in neurons but sparse in astrocytes. Together, these results demonstrate that the Ca2+ handling differences observed in synaptic versus nonsynaptic mitochondria are primarily the result of the high levels of cyclophilin D in synaptic mitochondria, reflecting the greater proportion of neuronal mitochondria in this fraction. The high levels of cyclophilin D in neuronal mitochondria result in their greater vulnerability to mPT and in higher levels of cyclosporine A being required to inhibit mPTP opening.

Pressure pain threshold and β-endorphins plasma level are higher in lean polycystic ovary syndrome women.

PubMed

Kiałka, Marta; Milewicz, Tomasz; Mrozińska, Sandra; Rogatko, Iwona; Sztefko, Krystyna; Majewska, Renata

2017-12-01

Despite some evidence that indicates that the evolution of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is related to the activity of the endogenous opioid system, and that concentration of plasma β-endorphin levels can increase pain threshold, there are no studies which evaluate pressure pain threshold in the PCOS women population. In 48 lean women with PCOS and 38 lean women without this disorder plasma β-endorphins and PPT were measured. The β-endorphins level was higher in the PCOS group compared to the controls (15.28±2.49 pg/mL vs. 6.33±1.71 pg/mL, P<0.001). In PCOS group PPTs measured on deltoid and trapezius muscles were higher compared to the controls (9.33±1.3 kg/cm² vs. 5.19±0.57 kg/cm², P<0.001; 8.23±1.04 kg/cm² vs. 4.79±0.55 kg/cm², P<0.001). The β-endorphin levels positively correlated with PPTs in PCOS group. Increase in β-endorphin level of 1 pg/mL was associated with increase of PPT value on deltoid muscle of 0.23 kg/cm² (R=0.632, P=0.011) and of 0.18 kg/cm² on trapezius muscle (R=0.588, P=0.037). There were no correlations between testosterone level and PPT in PCOS group. β-endorphin serum level as well as PPT are higher in lean PCOS group than in controls. We found correlations between β-endorphin levels and PPT in the PCOS group. It may suggest the role of endogenous opioids in the pathogenesis of PCOS and also that the increases in circulating plasma β-endorphins concentration can increases PPT in this group.

Comparison of autochthonous and imported cases of hepatitis A or hepatitis E.

PubMed

Hartl, J; Kreuels, B; Polywka, S; Addo, M; Luethgehetmann, M; Dandri, M; Dammermann, W; Sterneck, M; Lohse, A W; Pischke, S

2015-07-01

Hepatitis A and hepatitis E are not limited to tropical countries but are also present in industrialized countries. Both infections share similar clinical features. There is no comparative study evaluating the clinical parameters of autochthonous and imported hepatitis A virus and hepatitis E virus infections. The aim of this study was to determine differences between autochthonous and imported hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections. Medical charts of all patients at our center with acute HAV and HEV infections were analyzed retrospectively (n = 50, study period 01/2009 - 08/2013). Peak bilirubin (median 8.6 vs. 4.4 mg/dL, p = 0.008) and ALT levels (median 2998 vs. 1666 IU/mL, p = 0.04) were higher in patients with hepatitis A compared to hepatitis E. In comparison to autochthones hepatitis E cases, patients with imported infections had significantly higher peak values for AST, ALT, bilirubin and INR (p = 0.009, p = 0.002, p = 0.04 and p = 0.049, respectively). In HAV infection, AST levels tended to be higher in imported infections (p = 0.08). (i) It is not possible to differentiate certainly between acute HAV and HEV infections by clinical or biochemical parameters, however, HAV infections might be associated with more cholestasis and higher ALT values. (ii) Imported HEV infections are associated with higher transaminases, INR and bilirubin levels compared to autochthonous cases and (iii) imported HAV infections tend to be associated with higher transaminases in comparison to autochthonous cases. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Differential gene expression during early embryonic development in diapause and non-diapause eggs of multivoltine silkworm Bombyx mori.

PubMed

Ponnuvel, Kangayam M; Murthy, Geetha N; Awasthi, Arvind K; Rao, Guruprasad; Vijayaprakash, Nanjappa B

2010-11-01

Quantification of the differential expression of metabolic enzyme and heat-shock protein genes (Hsp) during early embryogenesis in diapause and non-diapause eggs of the silkworm B. mori was carried out by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Data analysis revealed that, the phosphofructokinase (PFK) expression started at a higher level in the early stage (6 h after oviposition) in non-diapause eggs, while in diapause induced eggs, it started at a lower level. However, the PFK gene expression in diapause eggs was comparatively higher than in non-diapause eggs. PFK facilitates use of carbohydrate reserves. The lower level of PFK gene expression in the early stage of diapause induced eggs but comparatively higher level of expression than in non-diapause eggs is due to enzyme inactivation via protein phosphorylation during early embryogenesis followed by de-phosphorylation in later stage. The sorbitol dehydrogenase-2 (SDH-2) gene was down regulated in diapause induced eggs up to 24 h and its expression levels in diapause induced eggs coincided with that of PFK gene at 48h in non-diapause eggs. During carbohydrate metabolism, there is an initial temporary accumulation of sorbitol which acts as protectant. The down regulation of SDH-2 gene during the first 24 hours in diapause induced eggs was due to the requirement of sorbitol as protectant. However, since the diapause process culminates by 48 h, the SDH-2 gene expression increased and coincided with that of PFK gene expression. The trehalase (Tre) gene expression was at a lower level in diapause induced eggs compared to non-diapausing eggs. The induction of Tre activity is to regulate uptake and use of sugar by the tissues. The non-diapause eggs revealed maximum expression of GPase gene with major fluctuations as well as an overall higher expression compared to diapause induced eggs. The diapause process requires less energy source which reflects lower activity of the gene. Heat shock protein (Hsp) genes (Hsp20.4, 40, 70, and 90) revealed differential levels of expression in both the eggs at all stages of embryonic development. The present study thus provides an overview of the differential expression levels of metabolic enzyme and Hsp genes in non-diapause and diapause induced eggs of multivoltine silkworm B. mori within 48 h after oviposition, confirming the major role of in early embryogenesis.

Effects of Daytime Exposure to Light from Blue-Enriched Light-Emitting Diodes on the Nighttime Melatonin Amplitude and Circadian Regulation of Rodent Metabolism and Physiology.

PubMed

Dauchy, Robert T; Wren-Dail, Melissa A; Hoffman, Aaron E; Hanifin, John P; Warfield, Benjamin; Brainard, George C; Hill, Steven M; Belancio, Victoria P; Dauchy, Erin M; Blask, David E

2016-01-01

Regular cycles of exposure to light and dark control pineal melatonin production and temporally coordinate circadian rhythms of metabolism and physiology in mammals. Previously we demonstrated that the peak circadian amplitude of nocturnal blood melatonin levels of rats were more than 6-fold higher after exposure to cool white fluorescent (CWF) light through blue-tinted (compared with clear) rodent cages. Here, we evaluated the effects of light-phase exposure of rats to white light-emitting diodes (LED), which emit light rich in the blue-appearing portion of the visible spectrum (465-485 nm), compared with standard broadspectrum CWF light, on melatonin levels during the subsequent dark phase and on plasma measures of metabolism and physiology. Compared with those in male rats under a 12:12-h light:dark cycle in CWF light, peak plasma melatonin levels at the middark phase (time, 2400) in rats under daytime LED light were over 7-fold higher, whereas midlight phase levels (1200) were low in both groups. Food and water intakes, body growth rate, and total fatty acid content of major metabolic tissues were markedly lower, whereas protein content was higher, in the LED group compared with CWF group. Circadian rhythms of arterial plasma levels of total fatty acids, glucose, lactic acid, pO 2 , pCO 2 , insulin, leptin, and corticosterone were generally lower in LED-exposed rats. Therefore, daytime exposure of rats to LED light with high blue emissions has a marked positive effect on the circadian regulation of neuroendocrine, metabolic, and physiologic parameters associated with the promotion of animal health and wellbeing and thus may influence scientific outcomes.

Effects of Daytime Exposure to Light from Blue-Enriched Light-Emitting Diodes on the Nighttime Melatonin Amplitude and Circadian Regulation of Rodent Metabolism and Physiology

PubMed Central

Dauchy, Robert T; Wren-Dail, Melissa A; Hoffman, Aaron E; Hanifin, John P; Warfield, Benjamin; Brainard, George C; Hill, Steven M; Belancio, Victoria P; Dauchy, Erin M; Blask, David E

2016-01-01

Regular cycles of exposure to light and dark control pineal melatonin production and temporally coordinate circadian rhythms of metabolism and physiology in mammals. Previously we demonstrated that the peak circadian amplitude of nocturnal blood melatonin levels of rats were more than 6-fold higher after exposure to cool white fluorescent (CWF) light through blue-tinted (compared with clear) rodent cages. Here, we evaluated the effects of light-phase exposure of rats to white light-emitting diodes (LED), which emit light rich in the blue-appearing portion of the visible spectrum (465–485 nm), compared with standard broad-spectrum CWF light, on melatonin levels during the subsequent dark phase and on plasma measures of metabolism and physiology. Compared with those in male rats under a 12:12-h light:dark cycle in CWF light, peak plasma melatonin levels at the middark phase (time, 2400) in rats under daytime LED light were over 7-fold higher, whereas midlight phase levels (1200) were low in both groups. Food and water intakes, body growth rate, and total fatty acid content of major metabolic tissues were markedly lower, whereas protein content was higher, in the LED group compared with CWF group. Circadian rhythms of arterial plasma levels of total fatty acids, glucose, lactic acid, pO2, pCO2, insulin, leptin, and corticosterone were generally lower in LED-exposed rats. Therefore, daytime exposure of rats to LED light with high blue emissions has a marked positive effect on the circadian regulation of neuroendocrine, metabolic, and physiologic parameters associated with the promotion of animal health and wellbeing and thus may influence scientific outcomes. PMID:27780004

Comparing Dental Stress in New Child Patients and Returning Patients Using Salivary Cortisol, Immunoglobulin-A and Alpha- Amylase.

PubMed

Alaki, Sumer M; Safi, Ayman; Ouda, Soliman; Nadhreen, Alaa

this study was aimed at comparing dental stress in children having their first dental visit to those returning for dental treatment using salivary biomarkers of stress including salivary cortisol (s-cortisol), Immunoglobulin-A (s-IgA) and alpha-amylase (s-α-amylase). Additionally, the study was aimed at monitoring the change in stress in new patients as they progressed from the waiting to the clinical areas. salivary samples were collected from 40 children who had not been to a dentist before and similar samples were collected from 40 children who were returning for completion of dental treatment. Salivary cortisol, s-IgA and s-α-amylase concentrations were obtained by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). salivary cortisol levels were higher for new patients at the waiting area compared to that at the dental chair (p=0.05). Salivary alpha-amylase significantly increased in new patients while being seated in the dental chair. Returning patients had higher s-α-amylase (p=0.001) and s-IgA (p=0.016) compared to new patients. Returning patients had the lowest level of s-cortisol when providers were faculty pediatric dentists than with students and interns (p=0.035). children coming in for their first dental visit may experience dental stress at the waiting area before being seated for dental examination. Returning children may experience higher levels of stress compared to new child patients possibly due to previous dental exposure.

Comparison of the effects of chlormadinone acetate versus drospirenone containing oral contraceptives on metabolic and hormonal parameters in women with PCOS for a period of two-year follow-up.

PubMed

Yildizhan, Recep; Gokce, Anik Ilhan; Yildizhan, Begum; Cim, Numan

2015-05-01

A randomized trial to compare the effects of two oral contraceptive pills containing either chlormadinone acetate or drospirenone as the progestogen, in women with PCOS for a period of two-year follow-up. Group A received ethinyl-estradiol 0.03 mg + drospirenone 3 mg (EE + DRSP; n = 56) and Group B received ethinyl-estradiol 0.03 mg + chlormadinone acetate 2 mg (EE + CMA; n = 50). Clinical, hormonal and biochemical parameters were compared at baseline, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months. The increase in total cholesterol and hsCRP levels was statistically significantly higher at 6, 12 and 24 months in Group B when compared with Group A. The change in the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level at the 24 months of treatment was statistically significantly higher in Group A. Group A has a significantly higher reduction in FAI at 6 and 24 months, in FGS at 6, 12 and 24 months and in HOMA-IR index at 12 and 24 months when compared with Group B. Drospirenone containing combined oral contraceptive (COC) is found to have more favorable effects on lipid profiles, hsCRP levels, insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism when compared with the CMA containing COC and appears to be more beneficial for the long-term cardiovascular and metabolic aspects of PCOS.

Living and Training at 825 m for 8 Weeks Supplemented With Intermittent Hypoxic Training at 3,000 m Improves Blood Parameters and Running Performance.

PubMed

Wonnabussapawich, Preetiwat; Hamlin, Michael J; Lizamore, Catherine A; Manimmanakorn, Nuttaset; Leelayuwat, Naruemon; Tunkamnerdthai, Orathai; Thuwakum, Worrawut; Manimmanakorn, Apiwan

2017-12-01

Wonnabussapawich, P, Hamlin, MJ, Lizamore, CA, Manimmanakorn, N, Leelayuwat, N, Tunkamnerdthai, O, Thuwakum, W, and Manimmanakorn, A. Living and training at 825 m for 8 weeks supplemented with intermittent hypoxic training at 3,000 m improves blood parameters and running performance. J Strength Cond Res 31(12): 3287-3294, 2017-We aimed to investigate the effect of an 8-week low-altitude training block supplemented with intermittent hypoxic training, on blood and performance parameters in soccer players. Forty university-level male soccer players were separated into altitude (n = 20, 825 m) or sea-level (n = 20, 125 m) groups. Before (1-2 days ago) and after (1 and 14 days later) training, players were asked to give a resting venous blood sample and complete a series of performance tests. Compared with sea level, the altitude group increased erythropoietin, red blood cell (RBC) count, and hematocrit 1 day after training (42.6 ± 24.0%, 1.8 ± 1.3%, 1.4 ± 1.1%, mean ± 95% confidence limits (CL), respectively). By 14 days after training, only RBC count and hemoglobin were substantially higher in the altitude compared with the sea-level group (3.2 ± 1.8%, 2.9 ± 2.1% respectively). Compared with sea level, the altitude group 1-2 days after training improved their 50-m (-2.9 ± 1.4%) and 2,800-m (-2.9 ± 4.4%) run times and demonstrated a higher maximal aerobic speed (4.7 ± 7.4%). These performance changes remained at 14 days after training with the addition of a likely higher estimated V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in the altitude compared with the sea-level group (3.2 ± 3.0%). Eight weeks of low-altitude training, supplemented with regular bouts of intermittent hypoxic training at higher altitude, produced beneficial performance improvements in team-sport athletes, which may increase the viability of such training to coaches and players that cannot access more traditional high altitude venues.

The development of aggression in 18 to 48 month old children of alcoholic parents.

PubMed

Edwards, Ellen P; Eiden, Rina D; Colder, Craig; Leonard, Kenneth E

2006-06-01

This study examined the development of aggressive and oppositional behavior among alcoholic and nonalcoholic families using latent growth modeling. The sample consisted of 226 families assessed at 18, 24, 36, and 48 months of child age. Results indicated that children in families with nonalcoholic parents had the lowest levels of aggressive behavior at all time points compared to children with one or more alcoholic parents. Children in families with two alcoholic parents did not exhibit normative decreases in aggressive behavior from 3 to 4 years of age compared to nonalcoholic families. However, this association was no longer significant once a cumulative family risk score was added to the model. Children in families with high cumulative risk scores, reflective of high parental depression, antisocial behavior, negative affect during play, difficult child temperament, marital conflict, fathers' education, and hours spent in child care, had higher levels of aggression at 18 months than children in low risk families. These associations were moderated by child gender. Boys had higher levels of aggressive behavior at all ages than girls, regardless of group status. Cumulative risk was predictive of higher levels of initial aggressive behavior in both girls and boys. However, boys with two alcoholic parents had significantly less of a decline in aggression from 36 to 48 months compared to boys in the nonalcoholic group.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): neutrophils, macrophages and lymphocytes in patients with anterior tuberculosis compared to tobacco related COPD.

PubMed

Guiedem, Elise; Ikomey, George Mondinde; Nkenfou, Céline; Walter, Pefura-Yone Eric; Mesembe, Martha; Chegou, Novel Njweipi; Jacobs, Graeme Brendon; Okomo Assoumou, Marie Claire

2018-03-27

The inflammatory profile of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) related to tobacco is known in certain studies while that of the post tuberculosis form is not yet known. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of neutrophils, macrophages and lymphocytes cells in sputum of COPD patients with history of smoking or anterior tuberculosis. Enumeration of cells in samples was analyzed using standard microscopy. We enrolled 92 participants, 46 (50%) were COPD subjects comprising 22 (47.83%) smokers and 24 (52.17%) with anterior tuberculosis while 46 (50%) healthy persons constituted the control group. The levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes were statistically higher in COPD patients compared to the control group with p-values of 0.0001 respectively. Neutrophils levels were higher in COPD patients with history of tobacco than in COPD patients with anterior tuberculosis with a mean rate of 4.72 × 10 6 /ml and 2.48 × 10 6 /ml respectively (p = 0.04). The monocytes and lymphocytes levels were not statistically different between the two sub-groups of COPD patients with p-value of 0.052 and 0.91 respectively. Neutrophils are the only inflammatory cells that were significantly higher in COPD patients with history of smoking as compared to COPD patients with anterior tuberculosis.

Plasma LL-37 correlates with vitamin D and is reduced in human immunodeficiency virus-1 infected individuals not receiving antiretroviral therapy

PubMed Central

Connick, Elizabeth; MaWhinney, Samantha; Chan, Edward D.; Flores, Sonia C.

2014-01-01

Low levels of the vitamin D-regulated antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin (LL-37) may negatively impact the immune status of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infected individuals (HIV+). We compared plasma LL-37 levels in healthy controls (HIV−) and HIV+ individuals on or off antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) (ART+ and ART−, respectively), and evaluated the relationship between vitamin D and LL-37 levels. In this cross-sectional study, levels of LL-37, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)D3] and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D3] were measured from an initial cohort of 18 healthy controls and 10 HIV+/ART− individuals. Because this cohort lacked HIV+/ART+ subjects, LL-37 was also quantified from a second cohort of 10 HIV+/ART− and 13 HIV+/ART+ individuals. LL-37 levels were significantly lower in the HIV+/ART− group compared to the healthy controls (P = 0.01). A direct relationship was observed between LL-37 and both 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3. The level of 25(OH)D3 was predictive of higher LL-37 (P = 0.04) and for any given level of 25(OH)D3, HIV+/ART− subjects averaged 20 % lower LL-37 compared to the healthy controls (P = 0.045). For any given level of 1,25(OH)2D3, HIV+/ART− subjects averaged 25 % lower LL-37 compared to the healthy controls (P = 0.018), although 1,25(OH)2D3 was not predictive of higher LL-37 (P = 0.28). Finally, LL-37 levels were significantly lower in the HIV+/ART− group compared to the HIV+/ART+ group from the second cohort (P = 0.045). Untreated HIV infection may contribute to lower LL-37 levels, independent of vitamin D levels. ART treatment may potentially mitigate this decrease in LL-37 levels. PMID:24821067

Air pollution and urinary n-acetyl-B-glucosaminidase levels in residents living near a cement plant.

PubMed

Jung, Min Soo; Kim, Jae Yoon; Lee, Hyun Seung; Lee, Chul Gab; Song, Han Soo

2016-01-01

To identify adverse renal effects due to air pollution derived from a cement plant in Korea. Urinary n-acetyl-B-glucosaminidase (U-NAG) levels in residents living near a cement plant were compared to those in a group who lived farther away from the plant. From June to August 2013 and from August to November 2014, laboratory tests for U-NAG and heavy metal were conducted on 547 study participants. Based on the level of air pollution exposure, subjects were divided into the "less exposed group," (LEG) which consisted of 66 persons who lived more than 5 km away from the cement plant, the "more exposed group from the rural area" (MEG-R), which consisted of 272 persons, and the "more exposed group from downtown area" (MEG-D), which consisted of 209 persons who lived within a 1 km radius of the cement plant. U-NAG levels >5.67 U/L were defined as "higher U-NAG" levels. We compared the prevalence of higher U-NAG levels and estimated the adjusted odds ratio (OR) by air pollution exposure using a chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis. Further, we estimated the interaction between air pollution exposure and heavy metal exposure in renal toxicity. The OR of higher U-NAG levels by MEG-D and MEG-R compared to LEG was 2.13 (95 % CI 0.86-4.96) and 4.79 (95 CI 1.65-10.01), respectively. Urinary cadmium (U-Cd), urinary mercury (U-Hg), age, occupation, hypertension, and diabetes had a significant association with higher U-NAG levels. However, blood lead (B-Pb), sex, and smoking were not associated with higher U-NAG. Especially, concurrent exposure to heavy metals (U-Hg or/and U-Cd) and air pollution had an additive adverse effect. In the group with both 4 th quartile heavy metal exposure (U-Cd or/and U-Hg) and air pollution exposure, the OR in MEG-R and MEG-D was 6.49 (95 % 1.42-29.65) and 8.12 (95 % CI 1.74-37.92), respectively, after adjustment for age, occupation, hypertension, diabetes. U-NAG levels seem to be affected by air pollution exposure as well as age, hypertension, diabetes, and even low levels of cadmium and low levels of mercury. Moreover, concurrent exposure to heavy metals and air pollution can have additive cytotoxic renal effects.

Serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in depressed patients with schizophrenia.

PubMed

Wysokiński, Adam

2016-01-01

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) are neurotrophins-proteins that induce the survival, development, and function of neurons. Their role in the development of schizophrenia and mood disorders is widely studied. This study was aimed to determine whether depression affects levels of BDNF and NT-3 in patients with schizophrenia. Data for 53 Caucasian adult hospitalized patients with chronic paranoid schizophrenia was compared with 27 healthy subjects. Clinical symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and positive, negative and general sub-scores, the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and the Clinical Global Impressions scale (CGI). Patients were defined as depressed (SHZ-DEP) with scores CDSS > 6 and HDRS > 7, otherwise they were included into the non-depressed group (SHZ-nonDEP). In total, 17 patients (32.1%) with schizophrenia met criteria for depression. SHZ-DEP patients had higher scores in HDRS, CDSS, PANSS total, PANSS negative, PANSS general and CGI (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). There were no differences in BDNF or NT-3 levels between patients with schizophrenia and controls. BDNF levels were lower in SHZ-DEP compared to SHZ-nonDEP: 18.82 ± 5.95 versus 22.10 ± 5.31 ng/mL, p = 0.045. NT-3 levels were higher in SHZ-DEP compared to SHZ-nonDEP: 133.31 ± 222.19 versus 56.04 ± 201.28 pg/mL, p = 0.033. There were no differences in neurotrophin levels between patients with schizophrenia and controls. We found lower BDNF and higher NT-3 serum levels in depressed patients with schizophrenia.

Simultaneous integrated boost to intraprostatic lesions using different energy levels of intensity-modulated radiotherapy and volumetric-arc therapy

PubMed Central

Sonmez, S; Erbay, G; Guler, O C; Arslan, G

2014-01-01

Objective: This study compared the dosimetry of volumetric-arc therapy (VMAT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with a dynamic multileaf collimator using the Monte Carlo algorithm in the treatment of prostate cancer with and without simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) at different energy levels. Methods: The data of 15 biopsy-proven prostate cancer patients were evaluated. The prescribed dose was 78 Gy to the planning target volume (PTV78) including the prostate and seminal vesicles and 86 Gy (PTV86) in 39 fractions to the intraprostatic lesion, which was delineated by MRI or MR-spectroscopy. Results: PTV dose homogeneity was better for IMRT than VMAT at all energy levels for both PTV78 and PTV86. Lower rectum doses (V30–V50) were significantly higher with SIB compared with PTV78 plans in both IMRT and VMAT plans at all energy levels. The bladder doses at high dose level (V60–V80) were significantly higher in IMRT plans with SIB at all energy levels compared with PTV78 plans, but no significant difference was observed in VMAT plans. VMAT plans resulted in a significant decrease in the mean monitor units (MUs) for 6, 10, and 15 MV energy levels both in plans with and those without SIB. Conclusion: Dose escalation to intraprostatic lesions with 86 Gy is safe without causing serious increase in organs at risk (OARs) doses. VMAT is advantageous in sparing OARs and requiring less MU than IMRT. Advances in knowledge: VMAT with SIB to intraprostatic lesion is a feasible method in treating prostate cancer. Additionally, no dosimetric advantage of higher energy is observed. PMID:24319009

Early metabolite changes after melatonin treatment in neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury studied by in-vivo 1H MR spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Nyman, Axel K. G.; Morken, Tora Sund; Vettukattil, Riyas; Brubakk, Ann-Mari; Widerøe, Marius

2017-01-01

Melatonin is a promising neuroprotective agent after perinatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury. We used in-vivo 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy to investigate effects of melatonin treatment on brain metabolism after HI. Postnatal day 7 Sprague-Dawley rats with unilateral HI brain injury were treated with either melatonin 10 mg/kg dissolved in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) with 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or vehicle (5% DMSO and/or PBS) directly and at 6 hours after HI. 1H MR spectra from the thalamus in the ipsilateral and contralateral hemisphere were acquired 1 day after HI. Our results showed that injured animals had a distinct metabolic profile in the ipsilateral thalamus compared to sham with low concentrations of total creatine, choline, N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), and high concentrations of lipids. A majority of the melatonin-treated animals had a metabolic profile characterized by higher total creatine, choline, NAA and lower lipid levels than other HI animals. When comparing absolute concentrations, melatonin treatment resulted in higher glutamine levels and lower lipid concentrations compared to DMSO treatment as well as higher macromolecule levels compared to PBS treatment day 1 after HI. DMSO treated animals had lower concentrations of glucose, creatine, phosphocholine and macromolecules compared to sham animals. In conclusion, the neuroprotective effects of melatonin were reflected in a more favorable metabolic profile including reduced lipid levels that likely represents reduced cell injury. Neuroprotective effects may also be related to the influence of melatonin on glutamate/glutamine metabolism. The modulatory effects of the solvent DMSO on cerebral energy metabolism might have masked additional beneficial effects of melatonin. PMID:28934366

D2-Thr92Ala, thyroid hormone levels and biochemical hypothyroidism in preeclampsia.

PubMed

Procopciuc, Lucia Maria; Caracostea, Gabriela; Hazi, Georgeta; Nemeti, Georgiana; Stamatian, Florin

2017-02-01

To identify if there is a relationship between the deiodinase D2-Thr92Ala genetic variant, thyroid hormone levels and biochemical hypothyroidism in preeclampsia. We genotyped 125 women with preeclampsia and 131 normal pregnant women using PCR-RFLP. Serum thyroid hormone levels were determined using ELISA. Our study showed higher TSH and FT4 levels and lower FT3 levels in women with preeclampsia compared to normal pregnant women, with statistical significance for women with mild and severe preeclampsia. The risk to develop pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), mild or severe preeclampsia was increased in carriers of at least one D2-Ala92 allele. TSH and FT4 levels were significantly higher and FT3 levels were significantly lower in preeclamptic women with severe preeclampsia if they carried the D2-Ala92 allele compared to non-carriers. Pregnant women with PIH and mild preeclampsia, carriers of at least one D2-Ala92 allele, delivered at lower gestational age neonates with a lower birth weight compared to non-carriers, but the results were statistically significant only in severe preeclampsia. The D2-Thr92Ala genetic variant is associated with the severity and the obstetric outcome of preeclampsia, and it also influences thyroid hormone levels. The study demonstrates non-thyroidal biochemical hypothyroidism - as a result of deiodination effects due to D2 genotypes.

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in wetland soils under different land uses along a 100-year chronosequence of reclamation in a Chinese estuary

PubMed Central

Bai, Junhong; Lu, Qiongqiong; Zhao, Qingqing; Wang, Junjing; Gao, Zhaoqin; Zhang, Guangliang

2015-01-01

Soil profiles were collected at a depth of 30 cm in ditch wetlands (DWs), riverine wetlands (RiWs) and reclaimed wetlands (ReWs) along a 100-year chronosequence of reclamation in the Pearl River Delta. In total, 16 OCPs were measured to investigate the effects of wetland reclamation and reclamation history on OCP levels. Our results showed that average ∑DDTs, HCB, MXC, and ∑OCPs were higher in surface soils of DWs compared to RiWs and ReWs. Both D30 and D20 soils contained the highest ∑OCP levels, followed by D40 and D100 soils; lower ∑OCP levels occurred in D10 soils. Higher ∑OCP levels were observed in the younger RiWs than in the older ones, and surface soils exhibited higher ∑OCP concentrations in the older ReWs compared with younger ReWs. The predominant percentages of γ-HCH in ∑HCHs (>42%) and aldrin in ∑DRINs (>46%) in most samples reflected the recent use of lindane and aldrin. The presence of dominant DDT isomers (p,p’-DDE and p,p’-DDD) indicated the historical input of DDT and significant aerobic degradation of the compound. Generally, DW soils had a higher ecotoxicological risk of OCPs than RiW and ReW soils, and the top 30 cm soils had higher ecotoxicological risks of HCHs than of DDTs. PMID:26633149

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in wetland soils under different land uses along a 100-year chronosequence of reclamation in a Chinese estuary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Junhong; Lu, Qiongqiong; Zhao, Qingqing; Wang, Junjing; Gao, Zhaoqin; Zhang, Guangliang

2015-12-01

Soil profiles were collected at a depth of 30 cm in ditch wetlands (DWs), riverine wetlands (RiWs) and reclaimed wetlands (ReWs) along a 100-year chronosequence of reclamation in the Pearl River Delta. In total, 16 OCPs were measured to investigate the effects of wetland reclamation and reclamation history on OCP levels. Our results showed that average ∑DDTs, HCB, MXC, and ∑OCPs were higher in surface soils of DWs compared to RiWs and ReWs. Both D30 and D20 soils contained the highest ∑OCP levels, followed by D40 and D100 soils; lower ∑OCP levels occurred in D10 soils. Higher ∑OCP levels were observed in the younger RiWs than in the older ones, and surface soils exhibited higher ∑OCP concentrations in the older ReWs compared with younger ReWs. The predominant percentages of γ-HCH in ∑HCHs (>42%) and aldrin in ∑DRINs (>46%) in most samples reflected the recent use of lindane and aldrin. The presence of dominant DDT isomers (p,p’-DDE and p,p’-DDD) indicated the historical input of DDT and significant aerobic degradation of the compound. Generally, DW soils had a higher ecotoxicological risk of OCPs than RiW and ReW soils, and the top 30 cm soils had higher ecotoxicological risks of HCHs than of DDTs.

Production of functional pita bread using date seed powder.

PubMed

Platat, Carine; Habib, Hosam M; Hashim, Isameldin Bashir; Kamal, Hina; AlMaqbali, Fatima; Souka, Usama; Ibrahim, Wissam H

2015-10-01

Functional foods represent a novel approach to prevent diet-related diseases. Due to its excellent nutritional and antioxidant properties, date seed was used to develop functional pita bread. Flour was replaced by 5, 10, 15 and 20 % date seed powder. Regular and whole wheat pita breads were the references. Results clearly showed that date seed powder containing bread contained comparable dietary fibers levels as in whole wheat bread and higher levels of flavonoids and phenolics. Date seed powder containing breads were particularly rich in flavan-3-ols whereas reference breads did not contain any of them and only a limited amount of other phenolic compounds. They also exhibited a much higher antioxidant capacity. Additionally, compared to regular bread, acrylamide level was significantly lower in 5 % date seed powder containing bread, and lower in all date seed powder containing breads compared to whole wheat bread. Date seed powder supplemented bread appears as a promising functional ingredient to prevent chronic diseases.

Correlates of quality of life among African American and white cancer survivors.

PubMed

Matthews, Alicia K; Tejeda, Silvia; Johnson, Timothy P; Berbaum, Michael L; Manfredi, Clara

2012-01-01

African Americans continue to suffer disproportionately from cancer morbidity and mortality, with emerging evidence suggesting potential quality of life (QOL) disparities in the survivorship period. The objective of the study was to assess sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors associated with physical and mental health QOL (PHQOL and MHQOL) among African American and white cancer survivors. Patients were recruited from tumor registries. Telephone interviews were conducted with 248 African American and 244 white respondents with a history of breast, prostate, or colorectal cancers. Multivariate regression models were used to assess what factors were associated with PHQOL and MHQOL. Key racial differences in adjusted analyses included poorer MHQOL scores among African Americans compared with white survivors. Furthermore, race moderated the relationship between perceived social support and MHQOL, where higher social support levels were associated with increased MHQOL among African Americans. Other correlates of QOL impacted racial groups similarly. For example, factors associated with PHQOL scores included being unemployed, being uninsured, the presence of medical comorbidities, a longer time since diagnosis, and higher levels of cancer-related stress appraisals. Factors associated with MHQOL scores included being unemployed, higher levels of daily stress, higher levels of stress associated with the diagnosis, higher levels of education, higher levels of perceived social support, and higher levels of spirituality. Interventions aimed at increasing social support may have important implications for improving QOL outcomes among African Americans. Measuring and understanding factors associated with QOL have important implications for patient adjustment and clinical decision making.

Correlates of Quality of Life among African American and White Cancer Survivors

PubMed Central

Matthews, Alicia K.; Tejeda, Silvia; Johnson, Timothy P.; Berbaum, Michael L.; Manfredi, Clara

2013-01-01

Background African Americans continue to suffer disproportionately from cancer morbidity and mortality with emerging evidence suggesting potential quality of life (QOL) disparities in the survivorship period. Objective To assess sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors associated with physical and mental health QOL (PHQOL and MHQOL) among African American and white cancer survivors. Methods Patients were recruited from tumor registries. Telephone interviews were conducted with 248 African American and 244 white respondents with a history of breast, prostate, or colorectal cancers. Multivariate regression models were used to assess what factors were associated with PHQOL and MHQOL. Results Key racial differences in adjusted analyses included poorer MHQOL scores among African Americans compared to white survivors. Furthermore, race moderated the relationship between perceived social support and MHQOL, where higher social support levels were associated with increased MHQOL among African Americans. Other correlates of QOL impacted racial groups similarly. For example, factors associated with PHQOL scores included being unemployed, uninsured, the presence of medical comorbidities, a longer time since diagnosis and higher levels of cancer related stress appraisals. Factors associated with MHQOL scores included being unemployed, higher levels of daily stress, higher levels of stress associated with the diagnosis, higher levels of education, higher levels of perceived social support, and higher levels of spirituality. Conclusion Interventions aimed at increasing social support may have important implications for improving QOL outcomes among African Americans. Implications for Practice Measuring and understanding factors associated with QOL have important implications for patient adjustment and clinical decision-making. PMID:22495496

The Rising Cost of Private Higher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Suttle, J. Lloyd

1983-01-01

The informational and analytical bases by which Yale University sets tuition levels and long-term pricing policies are illustrated. The rising cost of private higher education is discussed, considering historical trends, inflation, the institution's financial condition, comparative costs from other schools, and effect on enrollment. (MSE)

The Wellbeing of Italian Peacekeeper Military: Psychological Resources, Quality of Life and Internalizing Symptoms

PubMed Central

Loscalzo, Yura; Giannini, Marco; Gori, Alessio; Fabio, Annamaria Di

2018-01-01

Working as a peacekeeper is associated with the exposure to acute and/or catastrophic events and chronic stressors. Hence, the meager literature about peacekeepers’ wellbeing has mainly analyzed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This study aims to deep the analysis of the wellbeing of peacekeepers military. Based on the few studies on this population, we hypothesized that Italian peacekeeper military officers and enlisted men (n = 167; 103 males, 6 females, 58 missing) exhibit lower levels of internalizing symptoms (i.e., PTSD, depression, general anxiety, obsessions, and somatization) as compared to a control group (n = 60; 32 males, 28 females). Moreover, we hypothesized that peacekeepers have higher levels of psychological resources (i.e., self-efficacy, self-esteem, social support) and quality of life (i.e., higher life satisfaction and lower general stress). We compared the groups by means of MANOVAs on the subscales of the Psychological Treatment Inventory (PTI; Gori et al., 2015). We found that Italian peacekeepers have lower internalizing symptoms and higher levels of self-efficacy and self-esteem than the control group; however, no statistically significant differences were observed on perceived social support. Finally, peacekeepers have a higher quality of life: scores reflect higher life satisfaction and lower distress than the control group. This study is in line with previous literature supporting the claim that Italian peacekeeper military officers have sufficient psychological resources for coping with the stressful situations implied in peacekeeping missions. Future studies should deepen the analysis of the military’s psychological characteristics by comparing war veterans and peacekeeper military. PMID:29487552

Comparison of Ball-And-Racket Impact Force in Two-Handed Backhand Stroke Stances for Different-Skill-Level Tennis Players.

PubMed

Lo, Kuo-Cheng; Hsieh, Yung-Chun

2016-06-01

This study compared the kinetic roles of the upper extremities in racket impact force generation between the open stance (OS) and square stance (SS) for tennis players with different skill levels in two-handed backhand strokes. Twelve male tennis players were divided into an advanced group (AG) (L3-L2 skill level) and intermediate group (IG) (L7-L6 skill level), and their data were used in a three-dimensional kinetic analysis. Their motions were captured using 21 reflective markers attached to anatomic landmarks for two-handed backhand stroke motion data collection. During the acceleration phase, significant differences were not observed between both stances, but they were observed between the groups with different skill levels for the force of the upper extremities (p = 0.027). The joint forces were significantly lower in the AG than in the IG. Players performing the SS had significantly larger pronation and supination of the wrist joint moment than those in the OS (p = 0.032) during the acceleration phase, irrespective of the playing level. Higher internal rotation moment after impact was observed at each joint, particularly among young intermediate tennis players, regardless of their stance. The AG demonstrated a higher joint force and moment at every joint compared with the IG at impact. Moreover, the AG demonstrated superior stroke efficiency and effectively reduced joint moment after impact and sports injury. Key pointsAdvanced players, regardless of open stance or square stance, have larger joint force and moment at each joint before ball impact resulting in better stroke efficiency and reduced chance of injury.Intermediate players, regardless of stance, have higher internal rotation moment at each joint instead of larger joint force as compared to advanced players before ball impact. The higher internal rotation moment will induce higher joint impact force which makes the player injury-prone.Young intermediate tennis players may want to avoid excessive follow-through movement after ball impact to prevent injury in their early career.

Furry pet allergens, fungal DNA and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) in the commercial aircraft cabin environment.

PubMed

Fu, Xi; Lindgren, Torsten; Guo, Moran; Cai, Gui-Hong; Lundgren, Håkan; Norbäck, Dan

2013-06-01

There has been concern about the cabin environment in commercial aircraft. We measured cat, dog and horse allergens and fungal DNA in cabin dust and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) in cabin air. Samples were collected from two European airline companies, one with cabins having textile seats (TSC) and the other with cabins having leather seats (LSC), 9 airplanes from each company. Dust was vacuumed from seats and floors in the flight deck and different parts of the cabin. Cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f1) and horse allergens (Equ cx) were analyzed by ELISA. Five sequences of fungal DNA were analyzed by quantitative PCR. MVOCs were sampled on charcoal tubes in 42 TSC flights, and 17 compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with selective ion monitoring (SIM). MVOC levels were compared with levels in homes from Nordic countries. The weight of dust was 1.8 times larger in TSC cabins as compared to LSC cabins (p < 0.001). In cabins with textile seats, the geometric mean (GM) concentrations of Fel d1, Can f1 and Equ cx were 5359 ng g(-1), 6067 ng g(-1), and 13 703 ng g(-1) (GM) respectively. Levels of Fel d1, Can f1 and Equ cx were 50 times, 27 times and 75 times higher respectively, in TSC cabins as compared to LSC cabins (p < 0.001). GM levels of Aspergillus/Penicillium DNA, Aspergillus versicolor DNA, Stachybotrys chartarum DNA and Streptomyces DNA were all higher in TSC as compared to LSC (p < 0.05). The sum of MVOCs in cabin air (excluding butanols) was 3192 ng m(-3) (GM), 3.7 times higher than in homes (p < 0.001) and 2-methyl-1-butanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol concentrations were 15-17 times higher as compared to homes (p < 0.001). Concentrations of isobutanol, 1-butanol, dimethyldisulfide, 2-hexanone, 2-heptanone, 3-octanone, isobutyl acetate and ethyl-2-methylbutyrate were lower in cabin air as compared to homes (p < 0.05). In conclusion, textile seats are much more contaminated by pet allergens and fungal DNA than leather seats. The use of seats with smooth surfaces should be encouraged. The MVOC levels differed between cabin air and homes.

Bone mass and vitamin D levels in Parkinson's disease: is there any difference between genders?

PubMed

Ozturk, Erhan Arif; Gundogdu, Ibrahim; Tonuk, Burak; Kocer, Bilge Gonenli; Tombak, Yasemin; Comoglu, Selcuk; Cakci, Aytul

2016-08-01

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the bone mineral density, vitamin D level, and frequencies of osteopenia and osteoporosis in patients with Parkinson's disease and to compare male and female patients with the controls separately. [Subjects and Methods] One hundred fifteen Parkinson's disease patients (47 males, 68 females; age range: 55-85 years) and 117 age- and gender-matched controls (47 males, 70 females) were enrolled in the study. Bone mineral density measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and serum D vitamin levels of each participant were recorded. [Results] The mean lumbar spine, femur neck, and total femur bone mineral density levels, T-scores, and vitamin D levels were found to be significantly lower in Parkinson's disease patients in both genders. Furthermore, osteoporosis rates were found be significantly higher only in female Parkinson's disease patients compared with female controls. [Conclusion] Data from the present study revealed that while osteoporosis was significantly higher only in female Parkinson's disease patients, all Parkinson's disease patients had lower bone mineral density scores and vitamin D levels compared with the controls regardless of gender, suggesting that clinicians should pay attention to the osteoporosis risk in Parkinson's disease and that adequate preventive measures should be taken in order to limit the future risk due to osteoporotic fractures.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tewari, Somesh Vinayak, E-mail: somesh-vinayak@yahoo.com, E-mail: svtewari@barc.gov.in; Sharma, Archana; Mittal, K. C.

An experimental investigation of surface flashover characteristics of PMMA and POM is studied in compressed nitrogen gas environment with nitrogen as the background gas. The operating pressure range is from 1kg/cm{sup 2} to 4kg/cm{sup 2}. It is observed that the breakdown voltage of PMMA is higher than POM owing to a higher permittivity mismatch between POM- nitrogen interface as compared to the PMMA- nitrogen interface. The reduction in spacer efficiency with pressure for PMMA is 11% as compared to POM which shows a higher reduction of 18%. This paper further emphasizes on the role of energy level and density ofmore » charge carrier trapping centers for a reduced breakdown voltage in POM as compared to PMMA.« less

MATERNAL SELF-REPORTED DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AND MATERNAL CORTISOL LEVELS INTERACT TO PREDICT INFANT CORTISOL LEVELS.

PubMed

Khoury, Jennifer E; Gonzalez, Andrea; Levitan, Robert; Masellis, Mario; Basile, Vincenzo; Atkinson, Leslie

2016-01-01

Three basic findings have emerged from research on maternal depressive symptoms and offspring hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal functioning: (a) Mothers' depressive symptoms are positively associated with their offsprings' cortisol stress response, (b) numerous individual and interpersonal maternal characteristics moderate this association, and (c) maternal and infant cortisol levels are highly correlated. In combination, these findings have suggested that maternal cortisol levels may moderate the relation between maternal depressive symptoms and infant cortisol responsivity; the current study assessed this hypothesis. Participants were 297 mother-infant dyads who were recruited from the community. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed via self-report. Dyads participated in two differentially stressful infant challenges when infants were 16 and 17 months old. Mother and infant salivary cortisol was collected before and after challenges. Results indicate that maternal cortisol levels moderated associations between maternal depressive symptoms and infant cortisol levels across both challenges. Infants showed higher cortisol levels if their mothers had both higher depressive symptoms and higher cortisol levels, as compared to infants of mothers with higher depressive symptoms and lower cortisol, and to infants of mothers with lower depressive symptoms and either higher or lower cortisol levels. We discuss findings in relation to environmental and biological factors that may contribute to the intergenerational transmission of depressive symptoms. © 2016 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.

Characterization of plasma cytokines in an infant population cohort of challenge-proven food allergy.

PubMed

Dang, T D; Tang, M L K; Koplin, J J; Licciardi, P V; Eckert, J K; Tan, T; Gurrin, L C; Ponsonby, A-L; Dharmage, S C; Allen, K J

2013-10-01

Sensitization to food allergens indicates the production of food-specific IgE; however, sensitization is not a definite indicator of allergic reaction upon ingestion (N Engl J Med, 344, 2001, 30: J Allergy Clin Immunol, 120, 2007, 491). Currently, food challenge is the best approach to identify the presence or absence of allergy. While 95% positive predictive values (PPVs) thresholds for sIgE can assist with identifying increased likelihood of allergy among those who are sensitized, there are no specific biological markers that differentiate between allergic and sensitized individuals. To determine whether plasma serum cytokine profiles predict (i) sensitization to peanut and egg and (ii) food allergy among sensitized infants. Peanut-sensitized (PT) and egg-sensitized 14-month-old infants and nonsensitized controls enrolled in HealthNuts, a population-based study of food allergy, underwent an oral food challenge (OFC). Blood was collected within 1 h after OFC. Serum levels of Th1, Th2 and regulatory cytokines were determined in allergic (n = 79), sensitized (n = 40) and nonsensitized, nonallergic (n = 37) infants by multiplex assay. Food-sensitized infants had significantly higher plasma IL-4, IL-13, IL-12p70 and lower IL-10 levels compared to nonsensitized infants. IL-10 and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in sensitized compared with allergic infants. Egg-allergic infants had significantly higher IL-13 and IL-12p70 levels compared to peanut-allergic (PA) infants. Levels of Th2-related cytokines in plasma are higher in food-sensitized infants, irrespective of clinical food allergy status. In contrast, IL-10 levels appear to predict food allergy among sensitized infants. Differences in IL-13 and IL-12p70 between egg- and peanut-allergic infants could help explain the different resolution rates of the allergies. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effects of lower versus higher phosphate diets on fibroblast growth factor-23 levels in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Tsai, Wan-Chuan; Wu, Hon-Yen; Peng, Yu-Sen; Hsu, Shih-Ping; Chiu, Yen-Ling; Chen, Hung-Yuan; Yang, Ju-Yeh; Ko, Mei-Ju; Pai, Mei-Fen; Tu, Yu-Kang; Hung, Kuan-Yu; Chien, Kuo-Liong

2018-02-06

Elevated fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) levels increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to compare the effects of different dietary interventions, lower versus higher phosphate levels, on FGF23 in patients with CKD. We conducted electronic literature searches of Medline, PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library for publications up to 29 October 2016 for randomized clinical trials that compared lower versus higher phosphate dietary interventions in adults with CKD. The primary outcome was the difference in change-from-baseline FGF23 levels between intervention groups. Considering the difference in measurement units between intact FGF23 and C-terminal FGF23 assays, the treatment effect was analysed as the standardized mean difference (SMD) with the 95% confidence interval (CI). We identified five trials enrolling a total of 94 normophosphataemic patients with Stage 3B CKD. The study duration ranged from 1 to 12 weeks. Compared with higher phosphate diets, lower phosphate diets tended to reduce FGF23 levels (SMD -0.74, 95% CI -1.54 to 0.07, P = 0.07). Subgroup analyses showed a trend (P for interaction = 0.09) towards a better FGF23-lowering effect by lower phosphate diets in studies using the intact FGF23 assay (SMD -1.14, 95% CI -2.24 to -0.04) than those using the C-terminal FGF23 assay (SMD -0.05, 95% CI -0.67 to 0.57). Short-term dietary phosphate restriction tends to reduce FGF23 levels in patients with moderately decreased kidney function, and the FGF23-lowering effects tend to be more prominent when measured with the intact FGF23 assay. © The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.

In vitro re-expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) in cultured Ahr-deficient mouse antral follicles partially restores the phenotype to that of cultured wild-type mouse follicles.

PubMed

Ziv-Gal, A; Gao, L; Karman, B N; Flaws, J A

2015-03-01

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) mediates the toxic effects of various endocrine disrupting chemicals. In female mice, global deletion of the Ahr (AhrKO) results in slow growth of ovarian antral follicles. No studies, however, have examined whether injection of the Ahr restores the phenotypes of cultured AhrKO ovarian antral follicles to wild-type levels. We developed a system to construct a recombinant adenovirus containing the Ahr to re-express the Ahr in AhrKO granulosa cells and whole antral follicles. We then compared follicle growth and levels of factors in the AHR signaling pathway (Ahr, Ahrr, Cyp1a1, and Cyp1b1) in wild-type, AhrKO, and Ahr re-expressed follicles. Further, we compared the response to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in wild-type, AhrKO, and Ahr re-expressed follicles. Ahr injection into AhrKO follicles partially restored their growth pattern to wild-type levels. Further, Ahr re-expressed follicles had significantly higher levels of Ahr, Ahrr, Cyp1a1, and Cyp1b1 compared to wild-type follicles. Upon TCDD treatment, only Cyp1a1 levels were significantly higher in Ahr re-expressed follicles compared to the levels in wild-type follicles. Our system of re-expression of the Ahr partially restores follicle growth and transcript levels of factors in the AHR signaling pathway to wild-type levels. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Host immune response in returning travellers infected with malaria

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Clinical observations suggest that Canadian-born (CB) travellers are prone to more severe malaria, characterized by higher parasite density in the blood, and severe symptoms, such as cerebral malaria and renal failure, than foreign-born travellers (FB) from areas of malaria endemicity. It was hypothesized that host cytokine and chemokine responses differ significantly in CB versus FB patients returning with malaria, contributing to the courses of severity. A more detailed understanding of the profiles of cytokines, chemokines, and endothelial activation may be useful in developing biomarkers and novel therapeutic approaches for malaria. Materials and methods The patient population for the study (n = 186) was comprised of travellers returning to Toronto, Canada between 2007 and 2011. The patient blood samples’ cytokine, chemokine and angiopoietin concentrations were determined using cytokine multiplex assays, and ELISA assays. Results Significantly higher plasma cytokine levels of IL-12 (p40) were observed in CB compared to FB travellers, while epidermal growth factor (EGF) was observed to be higher in FB than CB travellers. Older travellers (55 years old or greater) with Plasmodium vivax infections had significantly higher mean cytokine levels for IL-6 and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) than other adults with P. vivax (ages 18–55). Patients with P. vivax infections had significantly higher mean cytokine levels for monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and M-CSF than patients with Plasmodium falciparum. Angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2) was higher for patients infected with P. falciparum than P. vivax, especially when comparing just the FB groups. IL-12 (p40) was higher in FB patients with P. vivax compared to P. falciparum. Il-12 (p40) was also higher in patients infected with P. vivax than those infected with Plasmodium ovale. For patients travelling to West Africa, IFN-γ and IL-6 was lower than for patients who were in other regions of Africa. Conclusion Significantly higher levels of IL-12 (p40) and lower levels of EGF in CB travellers may serve as useful prognostic markers of disease severity and help guide clinical management upon return. IL-6 and M-CSF in older adults and MCP-1, IL-12 (p40) and M-CSF for P. vivax infected patients may also prove useful in understanding age-associated and species-specific host immune responses, as could the species-specific differences in Ang-2. Regional differences in host immune response to malaria infection within the same species may speak to unique strains circulating in parts of West Africa. PMID:22554058

Host immune response in returning travellers infected with malaria.

PubMed

MacMullin, Gregory; Mackenzie, Ronald; Lau, Rachel; Khang, Julie; Zhang, Haibo; Rajwans, Nimerta; Liles, W Conrad; Pillai, Dylan R

2012-05-03

Clinical observations suggest that Canadian-born (CB) travellers are prone to more severe malaria, characterized by higher parasite density in the blood, and severe symptoms, such as cerebral malaria and renal failure, than foreign-born travellers (FB) from areas of malaria endemicity. It was hypothesized that host cytokine and chemokine responses differ significantly in CB versus FB patients returning with malaria, contributing to the courses of severity. A more detailed understanding of the profiles of cytokines, chemokines, and endothelial activation may be useful in developing biomarkers and novel therapeutic approaches for malaria. The patient population for the study (n = 186) was comprised of travellers returning to Toronto, Canada between 2007 and 2011. The patient blood samples' cytokine, chemokine and angiopoietin concentrations were determined using cytokine multiplex assays, and ELISA assays. Significantly higher plasma cytokine levels of IL-12 (p40) were observed in CB compared to FB travellers, while epidermal growth factor (EGF) was observed to be higher in FB than CB travellers. Older travellers (55 years old or greater) with Plasmodium vivax infections had significantly higher mean cytokine levels for IL-6 and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) than other adults with P. vivax (ages 18-55). Patients with P. vivax infections had significantly higher mean cytokine levels for monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and M-CSF than patients with Plasmodium falciparum. Angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2) was higher for patients infected with P. falciparum than P. vivax, especially when comparing just the FB groups. IL-12 (p40) was higher in FB patients with P. vivax compared to P. falciparum. Il-12 (p40) was also higher in patients infected with P. vivax than those infected with Plasmodium ovale. For patients travelling to West Africa, IFN-γ and IL-6 was lower than for patients who were in other regions of Africa. Significantly higher levels of IL-12 (p40) and lower levels of EGF in CB travellers may serve as useful prognostic markers of disease severity and help guide clinical management upon return. IL-6 and M-CSF in older adults and MCP-1, IL-12 (p40) and M-CSF for P. vivax infected patients may also prove useful in understanding age-associated and species-specific host immune responses, as could the species-specific differences in Ang-2. Regional differences in host immune response to malaria infection within the same species may speak to unique strains circulating in parts of West Africa.

High-Level Prediction Signals in a Low-Level Area of the Macaque Face-Processing Hierarchy.

PubMed

Schwiedrzik, Caspar M; Freiwald, Winrich A

2017-09-27

Theories like predictive coding propose that lower-order brain areas compare their inputs to predictions derived from higher-order representations and signal their deviation as a prediction error. Here, we investigate whether the macaque face-processing system, a three-level hierarchy in the ventral stream, employs such a coding strategy. We show that after statistical learning of specific face sequences, the lower-level face area ML computes the deviation of actual from predicted stimuli. But these signals do not reflect the tuning characteristic of ML. Rather, they exhibit identity specificity and view invariance, the tuning properties of higher-level face areas AL and AM. Thus, learning appears to endow lower-level areas with the capability to test predictions at a higher level of abstraction than what is afforded by the feedforward sweep. These results provide evidence for computational architectures like predictive coding and suggest a new quality of functional organization of information-processing hierarchies beyond pure feedforward schemes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pain level after ACL reconstruction: A comparative study between free quadriceps tendon and hamstring tendons autografts.

PubMed

Buescu, Cristian Tudor; Onutu, Adela Hilda; Lucaciu, Dan Osvald; Todor, Adrian

2017-03-01

The objective of this study was to compare the pain levels and analgesic consumption after single bundle ACL reconstruction with free quadriceps tendon autograft versus hamstring tendon autograft. A total of 48 patients scheduled for anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction were randomized into two groups: the free quadriceps tendon autograft group (24 patients) and the hamstring tendons autograft group (24 patients). A basic multimodal analgesic postoperative program was used for all patients and rescue analgesia was provided with tramadol, at pain scores over 30 on the Visual Analog Scale. The time to the first rescue analgesic, the number of doses of tramadol and pain scores were recorded. The results within the same group were compared with the Wilcoxon signed test. Supplementary analgesic drug administration proved significantly higher in the group of subjects with hamstring grafts, with a median (interquartile range) of 1 (1.3) dose, compared to the group of subjects treated with a quadriceps graft, median = 0.5 (0.1.25) (p = 0.009). A significantly higher number of subjects with a quadriceps graft did not require any supplementary analgesic drug (50%) as compared with subjects with hamstring graft (13%; Z-statistics = 3.01, p = 0.002). The percentage of subjects who required a supplementary analgesic drug was 38% higher in the HT group compared with the FQT group. The use of the free quadriceps tendon autograft for ACL reconstruction leads to less pain and analgesic consumption in the immediate postoperative period compared with the use of hamstrings autograft. Level I Therapeutic study. Copyright © 2017 Turkish Association of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Status of essential elements in autism spectrum disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Saghazadeh, Amene; Ahangari, Narges; Hendi, Kasra; Saleh, Fatemeh; Rezaei, Nima

2017-10-26

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that imposes heavy financial burden on governments and families of affected children. It is considered a multifactorial condition, where trace elements are among environmental factors that may contribute to ASD. Meanwhile, the between-study variance is high. The present systematic review was designed to investigate the difference in trace element measures between patients with ASD and control subjects. Meta-analyses showed that the hair concentrations of chromium (p=0.024), cobalt (p=0.012), iodine (p=0.000), iron (p=0.017), and magnesium (p=0.007) in ASD patients were significantly lower than those of control subjects, while there were higher magnesium levels in the hair of ASD patients compared to that of controls (p=0.010). Patients with ASD had higher blood levels of copper (p=0.000) and lower levels of zinc compared to controls (p=0.021). Further urinary iodine levels in patients with ASD were decreased in comparison with controls (p=0.026). Sensitivity analyses showed that ASD patients in non-Asian but not in Asian countries had lower hair concentrations of chromium compared to controls. Also, such analyses indicated that ASD patients in Asian countries had lower hair zinc concentrations, whereas ASD patients in non-Asian countries had higher hair zinc concentrations in comparison with control subjects. This study found significant differences in the content of trace elements between patients with ASD compared to controls. The findings help highlighting the role of trace elements as environmental factors in the etiology of ASD.

Alterations in malondialdehyde levels and laboratory parameters among methamphetamine abusers.

PubMed

Suriyaprom, Kanjana; Tanateerabunjong, Rossukon; Tungtrongchitr, Anchalee; Tungtrongchitr, Rungsunn

2011-12-01

To determine the concentrations of malondialdehyde, biochemical, and hematological parameters among methamphetamine abusers compared with a healthy control group and to evaluate the association between malondialdehyde and biochemical-hematological parameters. The concentrations of malondialdehyde, lipids, liver enzymes, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and hematological measurements were determined in 60 methamphetamine abusers and 60 controls. Significantly higher levels of malondialdehyde were found in the methamphetamine abusers than the controls [2.45 (2.12-2.81) vs. 1.41 (1.15-2.08)]. The levels ofalanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase and white blood cell and platelet counts of the methamphetamine abusers were significantly elevated (p-value < 0.05) compared with the controls. Meanwhile, the levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, albumin and body mass index were significantly lower among the methamphetamine-abusing group than the control group (p-value < 0.05). It was found that higher numbers of methamphetamine tablets per day were associated with higher malondialdehyde concentrations in methamphetamine abusers, and that malondialdehyde concentration inversely correlated with albumin level (r = -0.458, p-value < 0.05). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that number of methamphetamine tablets per day, white blood cell count and albumin level were independent predictors of malondialdehyde level (p-value < 0.05). Methamphetamine abuse is related to increased lipid peroxidation, changes in inflammatory marker level, increase in liver enzymes, and decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit concentrations. These effects may be early signs of the development of diseases associated with methamphetamine abuse.

A Reliable, Feasible Method to Observe Neighborhoods at High Spatial Resolution

PubMed Central

Kepper, Maura M.; Sothern, Melinda S.; Theall, Katherine P.; Griffiths, Lauren A.; Scribner, Richard; Tseng, Tung-Sung; Schaettle, Paul; Cwik, Jessica M.; Felker-Kantor, Erica; Broyles, Stephanie T.

2016-01-01

Introduction Systematic social observation (SSO) methods traditionally measure neighborhoods at street level and have been performed reliably using virtual applications to increase feasibility. Research indicates that collection at even higher spatial resolution may better elucidate the health impact of neighborhood factors, but whether virtual applications can reliably capture social determinants of health at the smallest geographic resolution (parcel level) remains uncertain. This paper presents a novel, parcel-level SSO methodology and assesses whether this new method can be collected reliably using Google Street View and is feasible. Methods Multiple raters (N=5) observed 42 neighborhoods. In 2016, inter-rater reliability (observed agreement and kappa coefficient) was compared for four SSO methods: (1) street-level in person; (2) street-level virtual; (3) parcel-level in person; and (4) parcel-level virtual. Intra-rater reliability (observed agreement and kappa coefficient) was calculated to determine whether parcel-level methods produce results comparable to traditional street-level observation. Results Substantial levels of inter-rater agreement were documented across all four methods; all methods had >70% of items with at least substantial agreement. Only physical decay showed higher levels of agreement (83% of items with >75% agreement) for direct versus virtual rating source. Intra-rater agreement comparing street- versus parcel-level methods resulted in observed agreement >75% for all but one item (90%). Conclusions Results support the use of Google Street View as a reliable, feasible tool for performing SSO at the smallest geographic resolution. Validation of a new parcel-level method collected virtually may improve the assessment of social determinants contributing to disparities in health behaviors and outcomes. PMID:27989289

Remission is the goal for cardiovascular risk management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional comparative study.

PubMed

Provan, Sella A; Semb, Anne Grete; Hisdal, Jonny; Stranden, Einar; Agewall, Stefan; Dagfinrud, Hanne; Angel, Kristin; Atar, Dan; Kvien, Tore K

2011-05-01

To compare markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in an active disease state and those with RA in remission, and to compare both groups with community controls. 113 patients with RA and 86 community controls were assessed across a panel of biomarkers for CVD. RA in remission was defined as Clinical Disease Activity Index ≤2.8. Community controls were selected at random by Statistics Norway, and controls were matched with patients in the cohorts in strata using details of age, sex and residential area. A panel of biomarkers (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), total cholesterol, reactive hyperaemia index (RHI), pressure measurements, measures of arterial stiffness and intima-media thickness) were compared between patients with active RA and those with RA in remission. Both groups were compared with controls. In addition, biomarker levels were compared across subgroups based on anticyclic citrullinated peptide status, level of joint destruction and presence of extra-articular manifestations. Patients with active RA had significantly higher levels of NT-proBNP, brachial systolic pressure, augmentation index and central systolic pressure but lower cholesterol than patients in remission and controls. In addition, patients with active RA had significantly higher levels of pulse wave velocity and worse RHI than patients in remission. Comparison across other subgroups gave less consistent differentiations in levels of CVD risk markers. Patients with active RA, but not those in remission, had significantly increased levels of CVD risk markers. These results link inflammatory activity to markers of CVD risk in patients with RA and may indirectly support the notion that remission in RA confers diminished cardiovascular morbidity.

Vitreous Microparticle Shedding in Retinal Detachment: A Prospective Comparative Study.

PubMed

Tumahai, Perle; Saas, Philippe; Ricouard, Fanny; Biichlé, Sabéha; Puyraveau, Marc; Laheurte, Caroline; Delbosc, Bernard; Saleh, Maher

2016-01-01

Microparticles (MPs) are membrane-derived vesicles measuring less than 1 μm in diameter. They are shed from nearly every activated or preapoptotic cell and may exhibit biologic activities in inflammation or apoptosis settings. The main purpose of this study was to determine whether MP shedding was higher in the vitreous of patients with retinal detachment (RD). This was a prospective, comparative study. Levels of vitreous MPs (including phosphatidylserine [PS]-expressing MPs, photoreceptor cell-derived MPs, and photoreceptor cell-derived MPs expressing PS) and soluble proinflammatory factors (i.e., monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and IL-6) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Samples were obtained from 49 eyes undergoing RD surgery and 41 control eyes. Vitreous levels of all the MPs studied were significantly increased in the RD group. Vitreous MP levels were correlated with levels of at least one proinflammatory factor depending on MP subsets. Concerning clinical parameters, vitreous PS-expressing MP and PS-expressing photoreceptor cell-derived MP levels were higher depending on the duration of RD at surgery, the detached retina surface, and the macula status and were found more sensitive than proinflammatory factors only for the duration of RD at surgery. Vitreous concentrations of MPs (mainly derived from photoreceptor cells) are higher after rhegmatogenous RD and found to be correlated with soluble proinflammatory factors.

A Candida guilliermondii lysine hyperproducer capable of elevated citric acid production.

PubMed

West, Thomas P

2016-05-01

A mutant of the yeast Candida guilliermondii ATCC 9058 exhibiting elevated citric acid production was isolated based upon its ability to overproduce lysine. This method involved the use of a solid medium containing a combination of lysine analogues to identify a mutant that produced a several-fold higher lysine level compared to its parent strain using glucose or glycerol as a carbon source. The mutant strain was also capable of producing more than a fivefold higher citric acid level on glycerol as a carbon source compared to its parent strain. It was concluded that the screening of yeast lysine hyperproducer strains could provide a rapid approach to isolate yeast citric acid hyperproducer strains.

Comparing salivary cotinine concentration in non-smokers from the general population and hospitality workers in Spain.

PubMed

Martínez-Sánchez, Jose M; Fu, Marcela; Pérez-Ríos, Mónica; López, María J; Moncada, Albert; Fernández, Esteve

2009-12-01

The objective was to compare the pattern of exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) among non-smokers in the general population and in hospitality workers. We used the adult (16-64 years) non-smokers of two independent studies (general population and hospitality workers) in Spain. We assessed the exposure to SHS by means of questionnaire and salivary cotinine concentration. The salivary cotinine concentration by sex, age, educational level, day of week of saliva collection, and exposure to SHS were always higher in hospitality workers than in the general population. Our results indicated that non-smoker hospitality workers have higher levels of exposure to SHS than general population.

Early mobilization in critically ill patients: patients' mobilization level depends on health care provider's profession.

PubMed

Garzon-Serrano, Jaime; Ryan, Cheryl; Waak, Karen; Hirschberg, Ronald; Tully, Susan; Bittner, Edward A; Chipman, Daniel W; Schmidt, Ulrich; Kasotakis, Georgios; Benjamin, John; Zafonte, Ross; Eikermann, Matthias

2011-04-01

To evaluate whether the level of mobilization achieved and the barriers for progressing to the next mobilization level differ between nurses and physical therapists. Prospective, observational study. Twenty-bed surgical intensive care unit (SICU) of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Sixty-three critically ill patients. Physical therapists and nurses performed 179 mobilization therapies with 63 patients. Mobilization was defined as the process of enhancing mobility in the SICU, including bed mobility, edge of bed activities, transfers out of bed to a chair, and gait training; the mobilization level was measured on the SICU optimal mobilization scale, a 5-point (0-4) numerical rating scale. Patients' level of mobilization achieved by physical therapists was significantly higher compared with that achieved by nurses (2.3 ± 1.2 mean ± SD versus 1.2 ± 1.2, respectively P < .0001). Different barriers for mobilization were identified by physical therapists and nurses: hemodynamic instability (26% versus 12%, P = .03) and renal replacement therapy (12% versus 1%, P = .03) were barriers rated higher by nurses, whereas neurologic impairment was rated higher by physical therapists providers (18% versus 38%, P = .002). No mobilization-associated adverse events were observed in this study. This study showed that physical therapists mobilize their critically ill patients to higher levels compared with nurses. Nurse and physical therapists identify different barriers for mobilization. Routine involvement of physical therapists in directing mobilization treatment may promote early mobilization of critically ill patients. Copyright © 2011 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Comparison of Children's Physical Activity Levels in Physical Education, Recess, and Exergaming.

PubMed

Gao, Zan; Chen, Senlin; Stodden, David F

2015-03-01

To compare young children's different intensity physical activity (PA) levels in physical education, recess and exergaming programs. Participants were 140 first and second grade children (73 girls; Meanage= 7.88 years). Beyond the daily 20-minute recess, participants attended 75-minute weekly physical education classes and another 75-minute weekly exergaming classes. Children's PA levels were assessed by ActiGraph GTX3 accelerometers for 3 sessions in the 3 programs. The outcome variables were percentages of time spent in sedentary, light PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). There were significant main effects for program and grade, and an interaction effect for program by grade. Specifically, children's MVPA in exergaming and recess was higher than in physical education. The 2nd-grade children demonstrated lower sedentary behavior and MVPA than the first-grade children during recess; less light PA in both recess and exergaming than first-grade children; and less sedentary behavior but higher MVPA in exergaming than first-grade children. Young children generated higher PA levels in recess and exergaming as compared with physical education. Hence, other school-based PA programs may serve as essential components of a comprehensive school PA program. Implications are provided for educators and health professionals.

Sexual desire, communication, satisfaction, and preferences of men and women in same-sex versus mixed-sex relationships.

PubMed

Holmberg, Diane; Blair, Karen L

2009-01-01

In an online study, measures of subjective sexual experiences in one's current relationship were compared across four groups: Men and women in mixed-sex (i.e., heterosexual) and same-sex (i.e., homosexual) relationships. Results indicated far more similarities than differences across the four groups, with groups reporting almost identical sexual repertoires, and levels of sexual communcation with partner. Men reported experiencing somewhat more sexual desire than women, while women reported slightly higher levels of general sexual satisfaction than men. Those in same-sex relationships reported slightly higher levels of sexual desire than those in mixed-sex relationships. Compared to the other three groups, heterosexual men reported deriving somewhat less satisfaction from the more tender, sensual, or erotic sexual activities. Implications of these findings for sex therapists are discussed.

Increased risk of coronary artery calcification progression in subjects with high baseline Lp(a) levels: The Kangbuk Samsung Health Study.

PubMed

Cho, Jung Hwan; Lee, Da Young; Lee, Eun Seo; Kim, Jihyun; Park, Se Eun; Park, Cheol-Young; Lee, Won-Young; Oh, Ki-Won; Park, Sung-Woo; Rhee, Eun-Jung

2016-11-01

Results from previous studies support the association of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels and coronary artery disease risk. In this study, we analyzed the association between baseline Lp(a) levels and future progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in apparently healthy Korean adults. A total of 2611 participants (mean age: 41years, 92% mend) who underwent a routine health check-up in 2010 and 2014 were enrolled. Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) were measured by multi-detector computed tomography. Baseline Lp(a) was measured by high-sensitivity immunoturbidimetric assay. Progression of CAC was defined as a change in CACS >0 over four years. Bivariate correlation analyses with baseline Lp(a) and other metabolic parameters revealed age, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and CACS to have a significant positive correlation, while body weight, fasting glucose level, blood pressure and triglyceride level were negatively correlated with baseline Lp(a) level. After four years of follow-up, 635 subjects (24.3%) had CAC progression. The participants who had CAC progression were older, composed of more men, more obese, and had higher fasting glucose levels and worse baseline lipid profiles compared to those who did not have CAC progression. The mean serum Lp(a) level was significantly higher in subjects who had CAC progression compared to those who did not (32.5 vs. 28.9mg/dL, p<0.01). When the risk for CAC progression according to baseline Lp(a) was calculated, those with Lp(a) level≥50mg/dL had an odds ratio of 1.333 (95% CI 1.027-1.730) for CAC progression compared to those with Lp(a)<50mg/dL after adjusting for confounding factors. In this study, the subjects who had higher Lp(a) were at significantly higher risk for CAC progression after four years of follow-up, suggesting the role of high Lp(a) in CAC progression. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ethnic differences in leptin and adiponectin levels between Greenlandic Inuit and Danish children

PubMed Central

Munch-Andersen, Thor; Sorensen, Kaspar; Aachmann-Andersen, Niels-Jacob; Aksglaede, Lise; Juul, Anders; Helge, Jørn W.

2013-01-01

Objective In a recent study, we found that Greenlandic Inuit children had a more adverse metabolic profile than Danish children. Aerobic fitness and adiposity could only partly account for the differences. Therefore, we set out to evaluate and compare plasma leptin and adiponectin levels in Danish and Inuit children. Methods In total, 187 Inuit and 132 Danish children (5.7–17.1 years) had examinations of anthropometrics, body fat content, pubertal staging, fasting blood and aerobic fitness. Results Plasma leptin was higher in Danish boys [3,774 (4,741–3,005)] [pg/mL unadjusted geometric mean (95% CI)] compared to both northern [2,076 (2,525–1,706)] (p<0.001) and southern (2,515 (3,137–2,016)) (p<0.001) living Inuit boys and higher in Danish girls [6,988 (8,353–5,847)] compared to southern living Inuit girls [4,910 (6,370–3,785)] (p=0.021) and tended to be higher compared to northern living Inuit girls [5,131 (6,444–4,085)] (p=0.052). Plasma adiponectin was higher for both Danish boys [22,359 (2,573–19,428)] [ng/mL unadjusted geometric mean (95% CI)] and girls [26,609 (28,994–24,420)] compared to southern living Inuit boys [15,306 (18,406–12,728)] and girls [18,864 (22,640–15,717)] (both p<0.001), respectively. All differences remained after adjustment for body fat percentage (BF%), aerobic fitness, age and puberty. The leptin/adiponectin ratio was higher in Danish boys and tended to be higher in Danish girls compared to northern living Inuit boys and girls, respectively. These differences were eliminated after adjustment for BF%, aerobic fitness, age and puberty. Conclusions In contrast to our hypothesis, plasma leptin was higher in Danish children despite a more healthy metabolic profile compared to Inuit children. As expected, plasma adiponectin was lowest in Inuit children with the most adverse metabolic profile. PMID:23940841

Why Go Modular? A Review of Modular A-Level Mathematics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taverner, Sally; Wright, Martin

1997-01-01

Attitudes, academic intentions, and attainment of students gaining a grade in A-level (Advanced level) mathematics were compared for those who followed a modular course and those assessed at the end of two years of study. Overall, the final grades of those assessed modularly were half a grade higher. (JOW)

Does Bachelor's-Level Social Work Education Impact Students' Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Substance-Abusing Clients?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Senreich, Evan; Straussner, Shulamith Lala A.

2013-01-01

This study compared 248 graduating seniors with 301 beginning juniors at 10 bachelor's-level social work programs in the Northeast concerning their knowledge and attitudes regarding working with substance-abusing clients. Graduating seniors demonstrated modestly higher levels of knowledge and only slightly more positive attitudes toward working…

Collinear Latent Variables in Multilevel Confirmatory Factor Analysis

PubMed Central

van de Schoot, Rens; Hox, Joop

2014-01-01

Because variables may be correlated in the social and behavioral sciences, multicollinearity might be problematic. This study investigates the effect of collinearity manipulated in within and between levels of a two-level confirmatory factor analysis by Monte Carlo simulation. Furthermore, the influence of the size of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and estimation method; maximum likelihood estimation with robust chi-squares and standard errors and Bayesian estimation, on the convergence rate are investigated. The other variables of interest were rate of inadmissible solutions and the relative parameter and standard error bias on the between level. The results showed that inadmissible solutions were obtained when there was between level collinearity and the estimation method was maximum likelihood. In the within level multicollinearity condition, all of the solutions were admissible but the bias values were higher compared with the between level collinearity condition. Bayesian estimation appeared to be robust in obtaining admissible parameters but the relative bias was higher than for maximum likelihood estimation. Finally, as expected, high ICC produced less biased results compared to medium ICC conditions. PMID:29795827

Collinear Latent Variables in Multilevel Confirmatory Factor Analysis: A Comparison of Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Estimations.

PubMed

Can, Seda; van de Schoot, Rens; Hox, Joop

2015-06-01

Because variables may be correlated in the social and behavioral sciences, multicollinearity might be problematic. This study investigates the effect of collinearity manipulated in within and between levels of a two-level confirmatory factor analysis by Monte Carlo simulation. Furthermore, the influence of the size of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and estimation method; maximum likelihood estimation with robust chi-squares and standard errors and Bayesian estimation, on the convergence rate are investigated. The other variables of interest were rate of inadmissible solutions and the relative parameter and standard error bias on the between level. The results showed that inadmissible solutions were obtained when there was between level collinearity and the estimation method was maximum likelihood. In the within level multicollinearity condition, all of the solutions were admissible but the bias values were higher compared with the between level collinearity condition. Bayesian estimation appeared to be robust in obtaining admissible parameters but the relative bias was higher than for maximum likelihood estimation. Finally, as expected, high ICC produced less biased results compared to medium ICC conditions.

Influence of type 2 diabetes on local production of inflammatory molecules in adults with and without chronic periodontitis: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Mohamed, Hasaan G; Idris, Shaza B; Ahmed, Mutaz F; Åstrøm, Anne N; Mustafa, Kamal; Ibrahim, Salah O; Mustafa, Manal

2015-07-27

Pathological changes in periodontal tissues are mediated by the interaction between microorganisms and the host immune-inflammatory response. Hyperglycemia may interfere with this process. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of 27 inflammatory molecules in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with type 2 diabetes, with and without chronic periodontitis, and of chronic periodontitis subjects without diabetes. A putative correlation between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and levels of the inflammatory molecules was also investigated. The study population comprised a total of 108 individuals, stratified into: 54 with type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis (DM + CP), 30 with chronic periodontitis (CP) and 24 with type 2 diabetes (DM). Participants were interviewed with the aid of structured questionnaire. Periodontal parameters (dental plaque, bleeding on probing and periodontal pocket depth) were recorded. The GCF levels of the 27 inflammatory molecules were measured using multiplex micro-bead immunoassay. A glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test was performed for patients with diabetes by boronate affinity chromatography. After adjustment for potential confounders, the DM + CP group had higher levels of IL-8 and MIP-1β, and lower levels of TNF-α, IL-4, INF-γ, RANTES and IL-7 compared to the CP group. Moreover, the DM + CP group had lower levels of IL-6, IL-7 and G-CSF compared to the DM group. The DM group had higher levels of IL-10, VEGF, and G-CSF compared to the CP group. The levels of MIP-1α and FGF were lower in diabetes patients (regardless of their periodontal status) than in chronic periodontitis subjects without diabetes. Diabetes patients (DM + CP and DM) had higher Th-2/Th-1 ratio compared to the CP group. HbA1c correlated positively with the pro-inflammatory cytokines (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.27, P value: 0.02). Type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis may influence the GCF levels of inflammatory molecules synergistically as well as independently. Type 2 diabetes was associated with high Th-2/Th-1 ratio, and modulated the local expression of molecules involved in the anti-inflammatory and healing processes.

Can upwelling signals be detected in intertidal fishes of different trophic levels?

PubMed

Pulgar, J; Poblete, E; Alvarez, M; Morales, J P; Aranda, B; Aldana, M; Pulgar, V M

2013-11-01

For intertidal fishes belonging to three species, the herbivore Scartichthys viridis (Blenniidae), the omnivore Girella laevifrons (Kyphosidae) and the carnivore Graus nigra (Kyphosidae), mass and body size relationships were higher in individuals from an upwelling zone compared with those from a non-upwelling zone. RNA:DNA were higher in the herbivores and omnivores from the upwelling zone. Higher biomass and RNA:DNA in the upwelling intertidal fishes may be a consequence of an increased exposure to higher nutrient availability, suggesting that increased physiological conditioning in vertebrates from upwelling areas can be detected and measured using intertidal fishes of different trophic levels. © 2013 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Maternal and fetal alternative complement pathway activation in early severe preeclampsia.

PubMed

Hoffman, M Camille; Rumer, Kristen K; Kramer, Anita; Lynch, Anne M; Winn, Virginia D

2014-01-01

We sought to determine whether alternative complement activation fragment Bb (Bb) levels are elevated in the maternal, fetal, and placental blood in cases of severe preeclampsia (PE) compared with normotensive controls. This was a cross-sectional study of women admitted at ≥24 weeks gestation with or without severe PE. Maternal plasma was collected at the time of enrollment. Umbilical venous cord and intervillous space blood were collected at delivery. Plasma Bb levels were assessed using ELISA. Bb levels were compared between cases and controls. Median Bb levels were higher in the maternal plasma of severe PE subjects (n = 24) than in controls (n = 20), 1.45 ± 1.03 versus 0.65 ± 0.23 μg/mL, P < 0.001. In umbilical venous plasma, Bb levels were higher in severe PE subjects (n = 15) compared with controls (n = 15), 2.48 ± 1.40 versus 1.01 ± 0.57 μg/mL, P = 0.01. Activation fragment Bb is increased in the maternal and umbilical venous blood of cases of severe PE when compared with normotensive controls. These data provide support for alternative complement pathway involvement in the pathogenesis of severe PE and demonstrate that alternative complement activation occurs not only in the maternal but also in the fetal compartment. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effects of exercise in the heat on thermoregulation of Japanese and Malaysian males.

PubMed

Saat, Mohamed; Tochihara, Yutaka; Hashiguchi, Nobuko; Sirisinghe, Roland Gamini; Fujita, Mizuho; Chou, Chin Mei

2005-07-01

The effect of low-intensity exercise in the heat on thermoregulation and certain biochemical changes in temperate and tropical subjects under poorly and well-hydrated states was examined. Two VO2max matched groups of subjects consisting of 8 Japanese (JS) and 8 Malaysians (MS) participated in this study under two conditions: poorly-hydrated (no water was given) and well-hydrated (3 mL x Kg(-1) body weight of water was provided at onset of exercise, and the 15th, 35th and 55th min of exercise). The experimental room in both countries was adjusted to a constant level (Ta: 31.6+/-0.03 degrees C, rh: 72.3+/-0.13%). Subjects spent an initial 10 min rest, 60 min of cycling at 40% VO2max and then 40 min recovery in the experimental room. Rectal temperatures (Tre) skin temperatures (Tsk), heart rate (HR), heat-activated sweat glands density (HASG), local sweat rate (M sw-back) and percent dehydration were recorded during the test. Blood samples were analysed for plasma glucose and lactate levels.The extent of dehydration was significantly higher in the combined groups of JS (1.43+/-0.08%) compared to MS (1.15+/-0.05%). During exercise M sw-back was significantly higher in JS compared to MS in the well-hydrated condition. The HASG was significantly more in JS compared to MS at rest and recovery. Tre was higher in MS during the test. Tsk was significantly higher starting at the 5th min of exercise until the end of the recovery period in MS compared to JS. In conclusion, tropical natives have lower M sw-back associated with higher Tsk and Tre during the rest, exercise and recovery periods. However, temperate natives have higher M sw-back and lower Tsk and Tre during experiments in a hot environment. This phenomenon occurs in both poorly-hydrated and well-hydrated states with low intensity exercise. The differences in M sw-back, Tsk and Tre are probably due to a setting of the core temperature at a higher level and enhancement of dry heat loss, which occurred during passive heat exposure.

The role of seniority-zero states in nuclear level densities

DOE PAGES

Åberg, S.; Carlsson, B. G.; Døssing, Th.; ...

2015-06-01

At low excitation energies seniority-zero states dominate the level density of K=0 bands in deformed even–even nuclei, while they play no role at higher excitation energies. We describe the level densities in a Fermi-gas model as well as in a combinatorial level-density model and compare to detailed experimental data for some rare-earth nuclei.

Association of abnormal plasma bilirubin with aggressive HCC phenotype

PubMed Central

Carr, Brian I.; Guerra, Vito; Giannini, Edoardo G.; Farinati, Fabio; Ciccarese, Francesca; Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico; Marco, Maria Di; Benvegnù, Luisa; Zoli, Marco; Borzio, Franco; Caturelli, Eugenio; Chiaramonte, Maria; Trevisani, Franco

2014-01-01

Background Cirrhosis-related abnormal liver function is associated with predisposition to HCC, features in several HCC classification systems and is an HCC prognostic factor. Aims To examine the phenotypic tumor differences in HCC patients with normal or abnormal plasma bilirubin levels. Methods A 2,416 patient HCC cohort was studied and dichotomized into normal and abnormal plasma bilirubin groups. Their HCC characteristics were compared for tumor aggressiveness features, namely blood AFP levels, tumor size, presence of PVT and tumor multifocality. Results In the total cohort, elevated bilirubin levels were associated with higher AFP levels, increased PVT and multifocality and lower survival, despite similar tumor sizes. When different tumor size terciles were compared, similar results were found, even for small tumor size patients. A multiple logistic regression model for PVT or tumor multifocality showed increased OddsRatios for elevated levels of GGTP, bilirubin and AFP and for larger tumor sizes. Conclusions HCC patients with abnormal bilirubin levels had worse prognosis than patients with normal bilirubin. They also had increased incidence of PVT and tumor multifocality and higher AFP levels, in patients with both small and larger tumors. The results show an association between bilirubin levels and indices of HCC aggressiveness. PMID:24787296

Short-term nutritional folate deficiency in rats has a greater effect on choline and acetylcholine metabolism in the peripheral nervous system than in the brain, and this effect escalates with age

PubMed Central

Crivello, Natalia A.; Blusztajn, Jan K.; Joseph, James A.; Shukitt-Hale, Barbara; Smith, Donald E.

2010-01-01

The hypothesis of this study is that a folate-deficient diet (FD) has a greater effect on cholinergic system in the peripheral nervous system than in the brain, and that this effect escalates with age. It was tested by comparing choline and acetylcholine levels in male Sprague Dawley rats fed either control or folate-deficient diets for 10 weeks, starting at age 4 weeks (the young group) or 9 months (the adult group). FD consumption resulted in depletion of plasma folate in both age groups. In young folate-deficient rats, liver and lung choline levels were significantly lower than those in the respective controls. No other significant effects of FD on choline and acetylcholine metabolism were found in young rats. In adult rats, FD consumption markedly decreased choline levels in the liver, kidneys, and heart; furthermore, choline levels in the cortex and striatum were moderately elevated, although hippocampal choline levels were not affected. Acetylcholine levels were higher in the heart, cortex, and striatum but lower in the hippocampus in adult folate-deficient rats, as compared to controls. Higher acetylcholine levels in the striatum in adult folate-deficient rats were also associated with higher dopamine release in the striatal slices. Thus, both age groups showed higher cholinergic metabolic sensitivity to FD in the peripheral nervous system than in the brain. However, compensatory abilities appeared to be better in the young group, implicating the adult group as a preferred model for further investigation of folate-choline-acetylcholine interactions and their role in brain plasticity and cognitive functions. PMID:21056288

[Clinical Values of Combined Detection of CRP and D-D for AL Patients Complicated with DIC].

PubMed

Ji, Xue-Hong

2015-12-01

To explore the clinical values of the combined detection of C-reactive protein (CRP) and D-dimer (D-D) for acute leukemia (AL) patients complicated with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Among 52 cases of AL, 20 cases of AL complicated with DIC were selected as AL+DIC group, 32 cases of AL were selected as AL group, 30 healthy volunteers were used as control group; the detected values of CRP and D-D in 3 groups were compared. The CRP and D-D levels in AL+DIC group were significantly higher than those in AL and control groups (P < 0.05); the CRP and D-D levels in AL group were significatly higher than those in control group (P < 0.05). The D-D level and complicated DIC rate in patients with CRP < 10 mg/L were significantly lower than those in patients with CRP 10-100 and >100 mg/L (P <0.05), while the D-D level and complicated DIC rate in patients with 10-100 mg/L were significantly lower than those in patients with CRP > 100 mg/L (P <0.05). After treatment of patients, the CRP and D-D levels in AL and AL+DIC groups were obviously reduced as compared with levels of these 2 groups before treatment (P <0.05); the CRP and D-D levels in AL+DIC after treatment were significantly higher than those in AL group (P <0.05). The combined detection of CRP and D-D possesses a higher reference value for diagnosis and differentiation of AL and AL complicated with DIC, thus also has an important role in evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of AL.

[The Role of Urinary Lipocalin in Prognostication of Hospital Complications in Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting].

PubMed

Shafranskaya, K S; Kuzmina, O K; Sumin, D A; Krivoshapova, K Ye; Uchasova, Ye G; Ivanov, S V; Zykov, M V; Kashtalap, V V; Barbarash, O L

2016-10-01

To assess significance of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) for predicting hospital complications in subjects with ischemic heart disease (IHD) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The study included 720 subjects who underwent CABG between 03/2011 and 04/2012. Blood serum creatinine level, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (MDRD formula) and NGAL concentration were measured before and on day 7 after CABG. The following unfavorable outcomes of operative intervention: myocardial infarction (MI), stroke or transient ischemic attack, acute or progression of chronic renal disease, remediastinotomy were registered during in-hospital period. Additive EuroSCORE was calculated for all patients. There were no significant differences in serum creatinine level and GFR both before and on day 7 after CABG between groups of patients with different risk assessed by EuroSCORE, and with complicated and uncomplicated postoperative course. Urine NGAL level before and on day 7 after CABG was significantly higher in high and medium compared with low EuroSCORE risk groups. Preoperative NGAL urine level was significantly higher in patients with than in those without MI or stroke after CABG. NGAL urine level was also higher in patients with development of acute renal failure (ARF) compared with those without ARF. Both pre- and postoperative NGAL urine levels were higher in patients with unfavorable outcome while there were no significant differences in serum creatinine levels and CRF between patients with favorable and unfavorable outcomes. Preoperative measurement of urinary NGAL - a preclinical marker of acute kidney injury - allowed to predict more accurately the hospital risk of development of adverse cardiovascular and renal complications of CABG.

Short-term nutritional folate deficiency in rats has a greater effect on choline and acetylcholine metabolism in the peripheral nervous system than in the brain, and this effect escalates with age.

PubMed

Crivello, Natalia A; Blusztajn, Jan K; Joseph, James A; Shukitt-Hale, Barbara; Smith, Donald E

2010-10-01

The hypothesis of this study is that a folate-deficient diet (FD) has a greater effect on cholinergic system in the peripheral nervous system than in the brain, and that this effect escalates with age. It was tested by comparing choline and acetylcholine levels in male Sprague Dawley rats fed either control or folate-deficient diets for 10 weeks, starting at age 4 weeks (the young group) or 9 months (the adult group). Folate-deficient diet consumption resulted in depletion of plasma folate in both age groups. In young folate-deficient rats, liver and lung choline levels were significantly lower than those in the respective controls. No other significant effects of FD on choline and acetylcholine metabolism were found in young rats. In adult rats, FD consumption markedly decreased choline levels in the liver, kidneys, and heart; furthermore, choline levels in the cortex and striatum were moderately elevated, although hippocampal choline levels were not affected. Acetylcholine levels were higher in the heart, cortex, and striatum but lower in the hippocampus in adult folate-deficient rats, as compared to controls. Higher acetylcholine levels in the striatum in adult folate-deficient rats were also associated with higher dopamine release in the striatal slices. Thus, both age groups showed higher cholinergic metabolic sensitivity to FD in the peripheral nervous system than in the brain. However, compensatory abilities appeared to be better in the young group, implicating the adult group as a preferred model for further investigation of folate-choline-acetylcholine interactions and their role in brain plasticity and cognitive functions. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A human life-stage physiologically based pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic model for chlorpyrifos: development and validation.

PubMed

Smith, Jordan Ned; Hinderliter, Paul M; Timchalk, Charles; Bartels, Michael J; Poet, Torka S

2014-08-01

Sensitivity to some chemicals in animals and humans are known to vary with age. Age-related changes in sensitivity to chlorpyrifos have been reported in animal models. A life-stage physiologically based pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) model was developed to predict disposition of chlorpyrifos and its metabolites, chlorpyrifos-oxon (the ultimate toxicant) and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy), as well as B-esterase inhibition by chlorpyrifos-oxon in humans. In this model, previously measured age-dependent metabolism of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-oxon were integrated into age-related descriptions of human anatomy and physiology. The life-stage PBPK/PD model was calibrated and tested against controlled adult human exposure studies. Simulations suggest age-dependent pharmacokinetics and response may exist. At oral doses ⩾0.6mg/kg of chlorpyrifos (100- to 1000-fold higher than environmental exposure levels), 6months old children are predicted to have higher levels of chlorpyrifos-oxon in blood and higher levels of red blood cell cholinesterase inhibition compared to adults from equivalent doses. At lower doses more relevant to environmental exposures, simulations predict that adults will have slightly higher levels of chlorpyrifos-oxon in blood and greater cholinesterase inhibition. This model provides a computational framework for age-comparative simulations that can be utilized to predict chlorpyrifos disposition and biological response over various postnatal life stages. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The early psychological adjustment of cleft patients after maxillary distraction osteogenesis and conventional orthognathic surgery: a preliminary study.

PubMed

Cheung, Lim Kwong; Loh, John Ser Pheng; Ho, Samuel M Y

2006-12-01

To compare the early psychological changes of cleft lip and palate (CLP) and noncleft patients after maxillofacial corrective surgery, including maxillary distraction osteogenesis and conventional orthognathic surgery. Nine CLP patients were compared with a group of 9 non-CLP patients having similar dentofacial deformities in a prospective longitudinal cohort study. Five of the CLP patients underwent maxillary distraction osteogenesis and 4 underwent conventional orthognathic surgery. A control group of 9 noncleft patients received conventional orthognathic surgery. All patients completed a set of questionnaires to enable their psychological profile to be assessed. The data were collected immediately before surgery (T1), and at 3 weeks (T2) and 12 weeks (T3) after surgery. The CLP patients treated with distraction osteogenesis were happier, but had a higher level of social anxiety and distress than the CLP patients receiving conventional orthognathic surgery. On the other hand, the CLP patients overall were happier, with lower social anxiety and distress, than the noncleft control group. The CLP patients showed a higher level of parental self-esteem than the noncleft patients. This preliminary study shows that CLP patients were generally happier, and had a higher level of parental support, than normal patients suffering from dentofacial deformities. Maxillary distraction osteogenesis seemed to induce a higher level of anxiety and distress in CLP patients than conventional orthognathic surgery in both cleft and noncleft patients.

Relationship between serum anti-Mullerian hormone and intrafollicular AMH levels in PCOS women.

PubMed

Stracquadanio, M; Ciotta, L; Palumbo, M A

2018-03-01

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex disease characterized by various endocrine disorders that are the potential cause of anovulation and hyperandrogenism. Anti-Müllerian hormone expression is suspected to be overexpressed in PCOS granulosa cells. AMH acts as a regulator of folliculogenesis: it is produced by the granulosa cells of follicles from the stage of the primary follicle to the initial formation of the antrum. Serum and intrafollicular AMH levels are elevated in patients with PCOS due to increased number of small follicles and an increased secretion within each of these small follicles. This excess of AMH is strongly suspected to play a role in the characteristic follicular arrest of PCOS, through a negative action on aromatase expression and on FSH action. Value above 5 ng/ml or 35 pmol/l might be considered as a diagnostic criterion for PCOS. The aim of our study is to demonstrate the presence of higher AMH serum levels and higher AMH intrafollicular fluid level of PCOS patients, undergone to IVF cycles, compared to normovulatory patients. The results clearly indicate that blood and intrafollicular AMH levels are significantly higher in PCOS women comparing to the normovulatory population. Serum AMH level appears to be a good predictive marker for the risk ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: thus, its evaluation should be recommended before starting a controlled ovarian stimulation for IVF.

Anti-inflammatory cytokines in gingival crevicular fluid in patients with periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis: a preliminary report.

PubMed

Bozkurt, Fatma Yeşim; Yetkin Ay, Zuhal; Berker, Ezel; Tepe, Eser; Akkuş, Selami

2006-08-01

Cytokines which are produced by host cells play an important role in pathogenesis both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic periodontitis (CP). In this study, we aim to investigate the levels of Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Seventeen patients with CP, 17 patients with RA and 17 healthy controls (HC) were included. The RA group was divided into two groups according to gingival sulcus depths (RA-a: PD < or =3mm, (n=12), RA-b: PD>3mm, (n=5)). For each patient, clinical parameters were recorded. The GCF samples were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IL-4 and IL-10 levels. IL-4 levels in the RA-a, RA-b and CP subjects were significantly lower compared to the HC subjects (p<0.05). The mean level of IL-4 in RA-b group was significantly higher than that in CP group (p<0.05). IL-10 mean level in the HC group was higher than those in the other groups (p<0.05). In the RA-a group, higher IL-10 level was found compared to the CP patients (p<0.05). Within the limitations of this preliminary report, it can be concluded that the initiation and progression of periodontal inflammation may be due to a lack or inappropriate response of the anti-inflammatory cytokines in both CP and RA.

Serum Lp-PLA2: as a novel viewpoint in periodontal treatment of hyperlipidaemics.

PubMed

Fentoğlu, Özlem; Kirzioğlu, Fatma Yeşim; Tözüm Bulut, Memduha; Kurgan, Şivge; Koçak, Havva; Sütcü, Recep; Kale Köroğlu, Banu; Günhan, Meral

2015-01-01

To evaluate the effects of periodontal treatment on serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in hyperlipidaemic patients with periodontitis. The study included 52 hyperlipidaemics and 28 systemically healthy controls (C) with periodontitis. Of the 52 hyperlipidaemics, 29 received a suggested diet (HD), and 23 of them were prescribed statin (HS). Clinical periodontal parameters, serum lipids, Lp-PLA2, and CRP levels were assessed at the baseline and 2 months after the completion of the nonsurgical periodontal treatment (2MPT). Serum parameters were also evaluated 1 week following the periodontal treatment (1WPT). At the baseline, patients in the HS group had a higher percentage of bleeding on probing than those in the C and HD groups. Hyperlipidaemics had higher serum triglyceride levels than the control group at 2MPT compared to the baseline. At 2MPT, the levels of Lp-PLA2 in the HS group were significantly higher compared to the baseline and 1WPT. There were no statistically significant differences in CRP levels between study periods for all groups. The periodontal treatment may affect the inflammatory control of hyperlipidaemic patients with periodontitis via increased Lp-PLA2 levels and severity of the impaired lipid metabolism. These findings may be important regarding the therapeutic strategies for hyperlipidaemics with periodontitis.

Comparison of potential risks of lactic acidosis induction by biguanides in rats.

PubMed

Bando, Kiyoko; Ochiai, Shoko; Kunimatsu, Takeshi; Deguchi, Jiro; Kimura, Juki; Funabashi, Hitoshi; Seki, Takaki

2010-10-01

Lactic acidosis has been considered to be a side effect of some biguanides, after phenformin was withdrawn from the market because of its association with lactic acidosis. The potential of lactic acidosis induced by biguanides at human therapeutic exposure levels, however, has not been examined. Then, we compared the risk of lactic acid at doses providing exposure levels comparable to human therapeutic doses. Metformin and phenformin were orally administered to rats for up to 28 days, and plasma drug concentrations and blood lactic acid levels were examined. Metformin did not elevate lactic acid levels at the dose corresponding to higher systemic drug exposure than human therapeutic level, even for repeated doses. In contrast, phenformin elevated lactic acid levels at the dose corresponding to lower exposure than human therapeutic level, and sustained high levels were observed up to 24h post-dose; furthermore, these changes were enhanced by repeated doses. Direct comparison at each rat equivalent dose clearly indicated that lactic acid levels of phenformin were higher than those of metformin. These non-clinical findings suggest that metformin dose not increase lactic acid levels like phenformin does, and therefore may not increase the risk for lactic acidosis at human therapeutic exposure level. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Psychological Distress in Patients with Symptomatic Vitreous Floaters

PubMed Central

Yim, Kyung Mi; Seong, Su Jeong

2017-01-01

Purpose To evaluate the degree of psychological distress in symptomatic vitreous floater patients and to evaluate whether these psychological factors are associated with the severity of discomfort associated with vitreous floaters. Methods We recruited 61 patients with symptomatic vitreous floaters and 34 controls. The degree of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) was evaluated using optical coherence tomography. We measured the level of depression, perceived stress, state, and trait anxiety and the degree of floater-associated discomfort with self-administered questionnaire. We compared psychological parameters between floater patients and control. We also compared clinical and psychological characteristics among different floater-associated discomfort severity groups. Results Symptomatic vitreous floater patients showed higher rate of complete PVD and higher psychological distress compared to the control. On multiple logistic regression analysis, complete PVD (p = 0.001), depression (p = 0.001), and younger age (p = 0.037) were significantly associated with symptomatic floaters. There were no significant differences in complete PVD rate among different discomfort groups, while severe discomfort group showed higher depression, perceived stress, and state and trait anxiety compared to the other two milder symptom groups. Conclusions Symptomatic vitreous floater patients showed substantial level of psychological distress, and the severity of floater symptoms was significantly associated with psychological distress. PMID:29375909

Psychological Distress in Patients with Symptomatic Vitreous Floaters.

PubMed

Kim, Yong-Kyu; Moon, Su Young; Yim, Kyung Mi; Seong, Su Jeong; Hwang, Jae Yeon; Park, Sung Pyo

2017-01-01

To evaluate the degree of psychological distress in symptomatic vitreous floater patients and to evaluate whether these psychological factors are associated with the severity of discomfort associated with vitreous floaters. We recruited 61 patients with symptomatic vitreous floaters and 34 controls. The degree of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) was evaluated using optical coherence tomography. We measured the level of depression, perceived stress, state, and trait anxiety and the degree of floater-associated discomfort with self-administered questionnaire. We compared psychological parameters between floater patients and control. We also compared clinical and psychological characteristics among different floater-associated discomfort severity groups. Symptomatic vitreous floater patients showed higher rate of complete PVD and higher psychological distress compared to the control. On multiple logistic regression analysis, complete PVD ( p = 0.001), depression ( p = 0.001), and younger age ( p = 0.037) were significantly associated with symptomatic floaters. There were no significant differences in complete PVD rate among different discomfort groups, while severe discomfort group showed higher depression, perceived stress, and state and trait anxiety compared to the other two milder symptom groups. Symptomatic vitreous floater patients showed substantial level of psychological distress, and the severity of floater symptoms was significantly associated with psychological distress.

Higher platelet reactivity and platelet-monocyte complex formation in Gram-positive sepsis compared to Gram-negative sepsis.

PubMed

Tunjungputri, Rahajeng N; van de Heijden, Wouter; Urbanus, Rolf T; de Groot, Philip G; van der Ven, Andre; de Mast, Quirijn

2017-09-01

Platelets may play a role in the high risk for vascular complications in Gram-positive sepsis. We compared the platelet reactivity of 15 patients with Gram-positive sepsis, 17 with Gram-negative sepsis and 20 healthy controls using a whole blood flow cytometry-based assay. Patients with Gram-positive sepsis had the highest median fluorescence intensity (MFI) of the platelet membrane expression of P-selectin upon stimulation with high dose adenosine diphosphate (ADP; P = 0.002 vs. Gram-negative and P = 0.005 vs. control groups) and cross-linked collagen-related peptide (CRP-XL; P = 0.02 vs. Gram-negative and P = 0.0001 vs. control groups). The Gram-positive group also demonstrated significantly higher ADP-induced fibrinogen binding (P = 0.001), as wll as platelet-monocyte complex formation (P = 0.02), compared to the Gram-negative group and had the highest plasma levels of platelet factor 4, β-thromboglobulin and soluble P-selectin. In contrast, thrombin-antithrombin complex and C-reactive protein levels were comparable in both patient groups. In conclusion, common Gram-positive pathogens induce platelet hyperreactivity, which may contribute to a higher risk for vascular complications.

Effects of high fructose corn syrup and sucrose on the pharmacokinetics of fructose and acute metabolic and hemodynamic responses in healthy subjects

PubMed Central

Le, MyPhuong T.; Frye, Reginald F.; Rivard, Christopher J.; Cheng, Jing; McFann, Kim K.; Segal, Mark S.; Johnson, Richard J.; Johnson, Julie A.

2011-01-01

Objective It is unclear whether high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which contains a higher amount of fructose and provides an immediate source of free fructose, induces greater systemic concentrations of fructose as compared to sucrose. It is also unclear whether exposure to higher levels of fructose leads to increased fructose-induced adverse effects. The objective was to prospectively compare the effects of HFCS- versus sucrose-sweetened soft drinks on acute metabolic and hemodynamic effects. Materials/Methods Forty men and women consumed 24 oz of HFCS- or sucrose-sweetened beverages in a randomized crossover design study. Blood and urine samples were collected over 6 hr. Blood pressure, heart rate, fructose, and a variety of other metabolic biomarkers were measured. Results Fructose area under the curve and maximum concentration, dose normalized glucose area under the curve and maximum concentration, relative bioavailability of glucose, changes in postprandial concentrations of serum uric acid, and systolic blood pressure maximum levels were higher when HFCS-sweetened beverages were consumed as compared to sucrose-sweetened beverages. Conclusions Compared to sucrose, HFCS leads to greater fructose systemic exposure and significantly different acute metabolic effects. PMID:22152650

Effects of high-fructose corn syrup and sucrose on the pharmacokinetics of fructose and acute metabolic and hemodynamic responses in healthy subjects.

PubMed

Le, Myphuong T; Frye, Reginald F; Rivard, Christopher J; Cheng, Jing; McFann, Kim K; Segal, Mark S; Johnson, Richard J; Johnson, Julie A

2012-05-01

It is unclear whether high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which contains a higher amount of fructose and provides an immediate source of free fructose, induces greater systemic concentrations of fructose as compared with sucrose. It is also unclear whether exposure to higher levels of fructose leads to increased fructose-induced adverse effects. The objective was to prospectively compare the effects of HFCS- vs sucrose-sweetened soft drinks on acute metabolic and hemodynamic effects. Forty men and women consumed 24 oz of HFCS- or sucrose-sweetened beverages in a randomized crossover design study. Blood and urine samples were collected over 6 hours. Blood pressure, heart rate, fructose, and a variety of other metabolic biomarkers were measured. Fructose area under the curve and maximum concentration, dose-normalized glucose area under the curve and maximum concentration, relative bioavailability of glucose, changes in postprandial concentrations of serum uric acid, and systolic blood pressure maximum levels were higher when HFCS-sweetened beverages were consumed as compared with sucrose-sweetened beverages. Compared with sucrose, HFCS leads to greater fructose systemic exposure and significantly different acute metabolic effects. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of di(n-butyl) phthalate on testicular oxidative damage and antioxidant enzymes in hyperthyroid rats.

PubMed

Lee, Ena; Ahn, Mee Young; Kim, Hee Jin; Kim, In Young; Han, Soon Young; Kang, Tae Seok; Hong, Jin Hwan; Park, Kui Lea; Lee, Byung Mu; Kim, Hyung Sik

2007-06-01

This study compared the effects of di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP) on the oxidative damage and antioxidant enzymes activity in testes of hyperthyroid rats. Hyperthyroidism was induced in pubertal male rats by intraperitoneal injection of triiodothyronine (T3, 10 microg/kg body weight) for 30 days. An oral dose of DBP (750 mg/kg) was administered simultaneously to normal or hyperthyroid (T3) rats over a 30-day period. No changes in body weight were observed in the hyperthyroid groups (T3, T3 + DBP) compared with controls. There were significantly higher serum T3 levels observed in the hyperthyroid rats than in the control, but the serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels were markedly lower in the hyperthyroid rats. DBP significantly decreased the weight of the testes in the normal (DBP) and hyperthyroid (T3 + DBP) groups. The serum testosterone concentrations were significantly lower in only DBP group. DBP significantly increased the 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) level in the testes, whereas the DBP-induced 8-OHdG levels were slightly higher in T3 + DBP group. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly higher in the testes of the DBP or T3 + DBP groups. Catalase (CAT) activity was significantly higher in the DBP treatment group, but the T3 + DBP group showed slightly lower DBP-induced CAT activity. The testicular expression of thyroid hormone receptor alpha-1 (TRalpha-1) was significantly higher in the DBP groups, and androgen receptor (AR) expression was not detected in the DBP treatment group. In addition, DBP significantly increased the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-r (PPAR-r) levels in the testis. These results suggest that hyperthyroidism can cause a change in the expression level of PPAR-r in testes, and may increase the levels of oxidative damage induced by the metabolic activation of DBP.

Oronasal Masks Require a Higher Pressure than Nasal and Nasal Pillow Masks for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

PubMed

Deshpande, Sheetal; Joosten, Simon; Turton, Anthony; Edwards, Bradley A; Landry, Shane; Mansfield, Darren R; Hamilton, Garun S

2016-09-15

Oronasal masks are frequently used for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The aim of this study was to (1) determine if CPAP requirements are higher for oronasal masks compared to nasal mask interfaces and (2) assess whether polysomnography and patient characteristics differed among mask preference groups. Retrospective analysis of all CPAP implementation polysomnograms between July 2013 and June 2014. Prescribed CPAP level, polysomnography results and patient data were compared according to mask type (n = 358). Oronasal masks were used in 46%, nasal masks in 35% and nasal pillow masks in 19%. There was no difference according to mask type for baseline apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), body mass index (BMI), waist or neck circumference. CPAP level was higher for oronasal masks, 12 (10-15.5) cm H2O compared to nasal pillow masks, 11 (8-12.5) cm H2O and nasal masks, 10 (8-12) cm H2O, p < 0.0001 (Median [interquartile range]). Oronasal mask type, AHI, age, and BMI were independent predictors of a higher CPAP pressure (p < 0.0005, adjusted R(2) = 0.26.). For patients with CPAP ≥ 15 cm H2O, there was an odds ratio of 4.5 (95% CI 2.5-8.0) for having an oronasal compared to a nasal or nasal pillow mask. Residual median AHI was higher for oronasal masks (11.3 events/h) than for nasal masks (6.4 events/h) and nasal pillows (6.7 events/h), p < 0.001. Compared to nasal mask types, oronasal masks are associated with higher CPAP pressures (particularly pressures ≥ 15 cm H2O) and a higher residual AHI. Further evaluation with a randomized control trial is required to definitively establish the effect of mask type on pressure requirements. A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 1209. © 2016 American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

The transgenic cloned pig population with integrated and controllable GH expression that has higher feed efficiency and meat production

PubMed Central

Ju, Huiming; Zhang, Jiaqing; Bai, Lijing; Mu, Yulian; Du, Yutao; Yang, Wenxian; Li, Yong; Sheng, Anzhi; Li, Kui

2015-01-01

Sustained expression of the GH gene has been shown to have detrimental effects on the health of animals. In the current study, transgenic founder pigs, with controllable pig growth hormone (pGH) expression, were cloned via the handmade cloning method (HMC), and pGH expression levels were examined at the cellular and organismal levels. The serum pGH levels in 3 founder male pigs were found to be significantly higher after induction with intramuscular injection of doxycycline (DOX) compared to baseline. A daily dose of DOX was administered via feed to these animals for a period of 65 to 155 days. The growth rate, feed efficiency and pGH serum concentration increased in the DOX-induced transgenic group compared with the other groups. 8 numbers of animals were euthanized and the dressing percentage, loin muscle and lean meat percentage were significantly higher in the DOX-induced F1 transgenic group compared with the other groups. In this study a large population of transgenic pigs, with integrated controllable expression of a transgene, was obtained. The transgenic pigs were healthy and normal in terms of reproductive capability. At the same time, feed efficiency was improved, production processes were accelerated and meat yield was increased. PMID:25959098

The transgenic cloned pig population with integrated and controllable GH expression that has higher feed efficiency and meat production.

PubMed

Ju, Huiming; Zhang, Jiaqing; Bai, Lijing; Mu, Yulian; Du, Yutao; Yang, Wenxian; Li, Yong; Sheng, Anzhi; Li, Kui

2015-05-11

Sustained expression of the GH gene has been shown to have detrimental effects on the health of animals. In the current study, transgenic founder pigs, with controllable pig growth hormone (pGH) expression, were cloned via the handmade cloning method (HMC), and pGH expression levels were examined at the cellular and organismal levels. The serum pGH levels in 3 founder male pigs were found to be significantly higher after induction with intramuscular injection of doxycycline (DOX) compared to baseline. A daily dose of DOX was administered via feed to these animals for a period of 65 to 155 days. The growth rate, feed efficiency and pGH serum concentration increased in the DOX-induced transgenic group compared with the other groups. 8 numbers of animals were euthanized and the dressing percentage, loin muscle and lean meat percentage were significantly higher in the DOX-induced F1 transgenic group compared with the other groups. In this study a large population of transgenic pigs, with integrated controllable expression of a transgene, was obtained. The transgenic pigs were healthy and normal in terms of reproductive capability. At the same time, feed efficiency was improved, production processes were accelerated and meat yield was increased.

Factors Related to Homophobia Among Nursing Students.

PubMed

Rowniak, Stefan R

2015-01-01

A convenience sample of 90 nursing students participated in an online survey measuring homophobia or sexual prejudice. Significantly higher scores were seen among those who endorsed the belief that being gay was a matter of personal choice, did not have a friend or family member who was gay or lesbian, and endorsed religiosity. A significantly higher level of sexual prejudice was seen among those who identified as non-Catholic Christians when compared to other religions. Asian/Pacific Islanders showed significantly higher scores on the scales compared to non-Hispanic Caucasian students. Nursing education should focus on those aspects of homophobia amenable to change.

20 CFR 658.601 - State agency responsibility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... on the Employment Security Automated Reporting System (ESARS) tables and Cost Accounting Reports... higher level involvement. When this review is conducted at an area or district office, a report... Accounting Reports shall be compared to planned levels. Variances between achievement and plan shall be...

[hsCRP protein in children and adolescents with diabetes type 1].

PubMed

Głowińska-Olszewska, Barbara; Urban, Mirosława; Peczyńska, Jadwiga; Koput, Alicja

2007-01-01

HsCRP protein is known as a novel marker of low grade inflammatory state, which characterises an atherosclerotic process in its early stages. Contrary to a large amount of data on inflammatory markers in diabetes type 2 and metabolic syndrome in adults, little is known so far about the inflammatory process in diabetes type 1, especially in children. The aim of the study was to estimate the level of hsCRP protein in children and adolescents with diabetes type 1 depending on coexisting additional risk factors for atherosclerosis and microvascular complications. 127 children and adolescents with diabetes duration 6.7+/-3.3 years, aged 14.9+/-3.1, were studied. The control group consisted of 52 healthy children aged 14.9+/-2.8 years, matched acc. to gender. HsCRP level was assessed with use of immunoturbidymetric, latex augmented method (Tina-quant CRP (Latex) HS, Roche). HsCRP in the whole study group was nearly significantly higher compared to control group: 0.17+/-0.2 vs. 0.078+/-0.1 mg/dl, p=0.072. In diabetic hypertensive children (n=38) we found significantly higher levels of hsCRP compared to controls (0.27+/-0.3 vs. 0.07 mg/dl, p=0.008) and compared to diabetic normotensive children (0.13+/-0.22 mg/dl; p=0.024). Diabetic obese patients (n=23) had significantly higer hsCRP compared to controls (0.24+/-0.3 vs. 0.07+/-0.1 mg/dl, p=0.04). In 14 studied diabetic children we found coexisting hypertension and obesity, and we found further increase in hsCRP level - 0.28+/-0.3 mg/dl. In diabetic children with microangiopathy hsCRP level was 0.22+/-0.2 mg/dl, and it was insignificantly higher compared to controls and to diabetic children without complications. Correlation analysis showed interrelations between hsCRP and systolic blood pressure (r=0.2; p=0.04) and HbA1c (r=0.25; p=0.015). In stepwise regression analysis hsCRP was related to systolic blood pressure, HbA1c and the triglycerides level (R=0.37; p=0.003). In children and adolescents with diabetes type 1 we proved significantly higher levels of hsCRP in case of a coexistence of hypertension and/or obesity. Elevated hsCRP in children with diabetes type 1 and hypertension and/or obesity reflects low grade inflammatory state in the course of metabolic syndrome.

Surgical injury: comparing open surgery and laparoscopy by markers of tissue damage.

PubMed

Máca, Jan; Peteja, Matúš; Reimer, Petr; Jor, Ondřej; Šeděnková, Věra; Panáčková, Lucie; Ihnát, Peter; Burda, Michal; Ševčík, Pavel

2018-01-01

Major abdominal surgery (MAS) is high-risk intervention usually accompanied by tissue injury leading to a release of signaling danger molecules called alarmins. This study evaluates the surgical injury caused by two fundamental types of gastrointestinal surgical procedures (open surgery and laparoscopy) in relation to the inflammation elicited by alarmins. Patients undergoing MAS were divided into a mixed laparoscopy group (LPS) and an open surgery group (LPT). Serum levels of alarmins (S100A8, S100A12, HMGB1, and HSP70) and biomarkers (leukocytes, C-reactive protein [CRP], and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) were analyzed between the groups. The secondary objectives were to compare LPT and LPS cancer subgroups and to find the relationship between procedure and outcome (intensive care unit length of stay [ICU-LOS] and hospital length of stay [H-LOS]). A total of 82 patients were analyzed. No significant difference was found in alarmin levels between the mixed LPS and LPT groups. IL-6 was higher in the LPS group on day 2 ( p =0.03) and day 3 ( p =0.04). Significantly higher S100A8 protein levels on day 1 ( p =0.02) and day 2 ( p =0.01) and higher S100A12 protein levels on day 2 ( p =0.03) were obtained in the LPS cancer subgroup. ICU-LOS and H-LOS were longer in the LPS cancer subgroup. The degree of surgical injury elicited by open MAS as reflected by alarmins is similar to that of laparoscopic procedures. Nevertheless, an early biomarker of inflammation (IL-6) was higher in the laparoscopy group, suggesting a greater inflammatory response. Moreover, the levels of S100A8 and S100A12 were higher with a longer ICU-LOS and H-LOS in the LPS cancer subgroup.

Large-scale population analysis reveals an extremely low threshold for "non-healthy" alanine aminotransferase that predicts diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Shlomai, Amir; Kariv, Revital; Leshno, Moshe; Beth-or, Anat; Sheinberg, Bracha; Halpern, Zamir

2010-10-01

Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is commonly used to detect liver damage. Recent studies indicate that ALT levels at the upper range of normal limits are predictors of adverse outcomes, especially diabetes mellitus (DM) and the metabolic syndrome. The aim of our study was to define the ALT threshold for both men and women that may predict the onset of DM. We analyzed a large Health Maintenance Organization cohort of 157 308 healthy subjects with no evidence of liver disease and with baseline ALT levels ≤ 120 U/L, and identified those who developed DM within 6 years. Overall, an elevated baseline serum ALT value was significantly associated with the development of DM, with an odds ratio of 3.3 when comparing the higher and the lower quartiles of the whole study population. A subgroup analysis revealed that baseline ALT values higher than 10 U/L among women and 22 U/L among men were already significantly associated with an increased risk for DM for any increment in ALT level. Notably, ALT values higher than ∼55 U/L were associated with increased risk for DM that was relatively constant for any increment in ALT. Higher baseline ALT levels were stronger predictors for DM as compared with age, triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Our study implies that ALT values higher than 10 U/L and 22 U/L for women and men, respectively, may predict DM. We suggest redefining ALT values as either 'normal' or 'healthy', with the later reflecting much lower values, above which an individual is at increased risk for DM. © 2010 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Global Ozone Distribution relevant to Human Health: Metrics and present day levels from the Tropospheric Ozone Assessment Report (TOAR)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleming, Z. L.; Doherty, R. M.; von Schneidemesser, E.; Cooper, O. R.; Malley, C.; Colette, A.; Xu, X.; Pinto, J. P.; Simpson, D.; Schultz, M. G.; Hamad, S.; Moola, R.; Solberg, S.; Feng, Z.

2017-12-01

Using stations from the TOAR surface ozone database, this study quantifies present-day global and regional distributions of five ozone metrics relevant for both short-term and long-term human exposure. These metrics were explored at ozone monitoring sites globally, and re-classified for this project as urban or non-urban using population densities and night-time lights. National surface ozone limit values are usually related to an annual number of exceedances of daily maximum 8-hour running mean (MDA8), with many countries not even having any ozone limit values. A discussion and comparison of exceedances in the different ozone metrics, their locations and the seasonality of exceedances provides clues as to the regions that potentially have more serious ozone health implications. Present day ozone levels (2010-2014) have been compared globally and show definite geographical differences (see Figure showing the annual 4th highest MDA8 for present day ozone for all non-urban stations). Higher ozone levels are seen in western compared to eastern US, and between southern and northern Europe, and generally higher levels in east Asia. The metrics reflective of peak concentrations show highest values in western North America, southern Europe and East Asia. A number of the metrics show similar distributions of North-South gradients, most prominent across Europe and Japan. The interquartile range of the regional ozone metrics was largest in East Asia, higher for urban stations in Asia but higher for non-urban stations in Europe and North America. With over 3000 monitoring stations included in this analysis and despite the higher densities of monitoring stations in Europe, north America and East Asia, this study provides the most comprehensive global picture to date of surface ozone levels in terms of health-relevant metrics.

Effects of single-use and group-use enrichment on stereotypy and intragroup aggressive and affiliative behaviors of a social group of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) at the Singapore Zoo.

PubMed

Sha, John; Han, Sharleen; Marlena, Diana; Kee, Julienne

2012-01-01

Four food-based enrichment devices were used to test the effects of single-use and group-use enrichment devices on stereotypy, intragroup aggression, and affiliation in a compatible group of 5 squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). All enrichment devices were found to reduce overall stereotypic behavior from baseline levels (without enrichment). The occurrence of stereotypic behavior differed between individual squirrel monkeys with an adult female showing the highest level of stereotypic behavior. This individual also showed the highest usage of enrichment devices, and stereotypic behavior was significantly reduced when enrichment was applied. The occurrence of stereotypic behavior did not differ significantly between single-use and group-use enrichment treatments. Higher intragroup aggression and lower affiliation were observed during the provision of enrichment compared with baseline levels. However, aggressive behavior was higher and affiliation lower during single-use enrichment compared with group-use enrichment. The results of this study showed that enrichment had positive effects on alleviating stereotypic behavior in a group of zoo-housed squirrel monkeys and such effects were similar when group-use and single-use enrichment devices were used, but with variations between individuals. The application of enrichment, particularly single-use enrichment devices, elicited higher levels of aggression within the group and lower affiliation. Such effects could curtail the benefits of original enrichment goals as higher intragroup aggression could lead to higher stress levels within the group. When food-based enrichment for social nonhuman primates is implemented, the most appropriate methods to alleviate undesirable behavior without additional negative effects such as increased group aggression should be considered.

Association between sarcopenia and higher-level functional capacity in daily living in community-dwelling elderly subjects in Japan.

PubMed

Tanimoto, Yoshimi; Watanabe, Misuzu; Sun, Wei; Sugiura, Yumiko; Tsuda, Yuko; Kimura, Motoshi; Hayashida, Itsushi; Kusabiraki, Toshiyuki; Kono, Koichi

2012-01-01

This study aimed to determine the association between sarcopenia, defined by muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance, and higher-level functional capacity in community-dwelling Japanese elderly people. Subjects were 1158 elderly, community-dwelling Japanese people aged 65 or older. We used bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure muscle mass, grip strength to measure muscle strength, and usual walking speed to measure physical performance. Sarcopenia was characterized by low muscle mass, plus low muscle strength or low physical performance. Subjects without low muscle mass, low muscle strength, and low physical performance were classified as "normal." Examination of higher-level functional capacity was performed using the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG-IC). The TMIG-IC is a 13-item questionnaire completed by the subject; it contains five questions on self-maintenance and four questions each on intellectual activity and social role. Sarcopenia was identified in 11.3% and 10.7% of men and women, respectively. The percentage of disability for instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) was 39.0% in men with sarcopenia and 30.6% in women with sarcopenia. After adjustment for age, in men, sarcopenia was significantly associated with IADL disability compared with intermediate and normal subjects. In women, sarcopenia was significantly associated with every subscale of the TMIG-IC disability compared with intermediate and normal subjects. This study revealed that sarcopenia, defined by muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance, had a significant association with disability in higher-level functional capacity in elderly Japanese subjects. Interventions to prevent sarcopenia may prevent higher-level functional disability among elderly people. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Carbon Monoxide Exposure in Youth Ice Hockey.

PubMed

Macnow, Theodore; Mannix, Rebekah; Meehan, William P

2017-11-01

To examine the effect of ice resurfacer type on carboxyhemoglobin levels in youth hockey players. We hypothesized that players in arenas with electric resurfacers would have normal, stable carboxyhemoglobin levels during games, whereas those in arenas with internal combustion engine (IC) resurfacers would have an increase in carboxyhemoglobin levels. Prospective cohort study. Enclosed ice arenas in the northeastern United States. Convenience sample of players aged 8 to 18 years old in 16 games at different arenas. Eight arenas (37 players) used an IC ice resurfacer and 8 arenas (36 players) an electric resurfacer. Carboxyhemoglobin levels (SpCO) were measured using a pulse CO-oximeter before and after the game. Arena air was tested for carbon monoxide (CO) using a metered gas detector. Players completed symptom questionnaires. The change in SpCO from pregame to postgame was compared between players at arenas with electric versus IC resurfacers. Carbon monoxide was present at 6 of 8 arenas using IC resurfacers, levels ranged from 4 to 42 parts per million. Carbon monoxide was not found at arenas with electric resurfacers. Players at arenas with IC resurfacers had higher median pregame SpCO levels compared with those at electric arenas (4.3% vs 1%, P < 0.01). Players in the IC group also had a significant increase in their SpCO level during a hockey game compared with those in the electric group (2.8% vs 1%, P = 0.01). There were no significant differences in symptom scores. Players at arenas operating IC resurfacers had significantly higher SpCO levels. Youth hockey players in arenas with IC resurfacers have an increase in carboxyhemoglobin during games and have elevated baseline carboxyhemoglobin levels compared with players at arenas with electric resurfacers. Electric resurfacers decrease the risk of CO exposure.

Plasma Pentraxin 3 as a biomarker of metabolic syndrome.

PubMed

Kardas, Fatih; Akın, Leyla; Kurtoglu, Selim; Kendirci, Mustafa; Kardas, Zehra

2015-01-01

To assess the plasma Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) concentrations in obese children and to investigate the relationship between PTX3 levels and metabolic syndrome (MS) components. Seventy-seven obese patients aged 10-16 y (38 girls, 39 boys) were included in the study. PTX3 levels were compared between the groups with or without MS. In addition, PTX3 was analysed separately by subgroups according to the presence of specific MS components. Plasma PTX3 concentrations were significantly higher in obese children and adolescents with metabolic syndrome than in those without MS (2.1 ± 1.2 ng/ml and 1.4 ± 0.9 ng/ml respectively; P = 0.02). Patients with low HDL levels (<40 mg/dl) had higher plasma PTX3 concentrations than those with normal HDL levels (P = 0.05). Similarly, those who had high triglyceride levels (≥ 150 mg/dl) had higher PTX3 levels (P = 0.01). PTX3 levels were negatively correlated with HDL cholesterol (r = -0.32, P = 0.003) among all patients. PTX3 levels are higher in obese children and adolescents with metabolic syndrome than in those without MS. Thus, PTX3 levels might be a useful biomarker for children and adolescents with metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular risks.

Lower serum hepcidin and greater parenchymal iron in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients with C282Y HFE mutations

PubMed Central

Nelson, James E.; Brunt, Elizabeth M.; Kowdley, Kris V.

2012-01-01

Hepcidin regulation is linked to both iron and inflammatory signals and may influence iron loading in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among HFE genotype, serum hepcidin level, hepatic iron deposition and histology in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). SNP genotyping for C282Y (rs1800562) and H63D (rs1799945) HFE mutations was performed in 786 adult subjects in the NASH Clinical Research Network (CRN). Clinical, histologic, and laboratory data were compared using nonparametric statistics and multivariate logistic regression. NAFLD patients with C282Y, but not H63D mutations, had lower median serum hepcidin levels (57 vs 65 ng/ml, p=0.01) and higher mean hepatocellular (HC) iron grades (0.59 vs 0.28, p<0.001), compared to wild type (WT) subjects. Subjects with hepatic iron deposition had higher serum hepcidin levels than subjects without iron for all HFE genotypes (p<0.0001). Hepcidin levels were highest among patients with mixed HC/reticuloendothelial system cell (RES) iron deposition. H63D mutations were associated with higher steatosis grades and NAFLD activity scores (OR≥1.4, CI >1.0≤2.5, p≤0.041), compared to WT, but not with either HC or RES iron. NAFLD patients with C282Y mutations had less ballooning or NASH (OR ≤0.62, 95% CI >0.39<0.94, p≤0.024) compared to WT subjects. Conclusions Presence of C282Y mutations in patients with NAFLD is associated with greater HC iron deposition and decreased serum hepcidin levels and there is a positive relationship between hepatic iron stores and serum hepcidin level across all HFE genotypes. These data suggest that body iron stores are the major determinant of hepcidin regulation in NAFLD regardless of HFE genotype. A potential role for H63D mutations in NAFLD pathogenesis is possible through iron-independent mechanisms. PMID:22611049

Effect of urinary pH and nicotine excretion rate on plasma nicotine during cigarette smoking and chewing nicotine gum

PubMed Central

Feyerabend, C.; Russell, M. A. H.

1978-01-01

1 Plasma nicotine levels produced by chewing nicotine gum were compared with those obtained by cigarette smoking under conditions of controlled urinary pH. 2 Although absorption was slower, plasma levels comparable to cigarette smoking were built up on 4 mg (but not 2 mg) nicotine gum. 3 Urinary excretion of nicotine was influenced markedly by pH and the rate of urine flow. 4 Plasma nicotine was higher under alkaline compared to acidic conditions (P < 0.001) but the rate of urinary nicotine excretion appeared to have little effect on the plasma level.

Patient satisfaction after pulmonary resection for lung cancer: a multicenter comparative analysis.

PubMed

Pompili, Cecilia; Brunelli, Alessandro; Rocco, Gaetano; Salvi, Rosario; Xiumé, Francesco; La Rocca, Antonello; Sabbatini, Armando; Martucci, Nicola

2013-01-01

Patient satisfaction reflects the perception of the customer about the level of quality of care received during the episode of hospitalization. To compare the levels of satisfaction of patients submitted to lung resection in two different thoracic surgical units. Prospective analysis of 280 consecutive patients submitted to pulmonary resection for neoplastic disease in two centers (center A: 139 patients; center B: 141 patients; 2009-2010). Patients' satisfaction was assessed at discharge through the EORTC-InPatSat32 module, a 32-item, multi-scale self-administered anonymous questionnaire. Each scale (ranging from 0 to 100 in score) was compared between the two units. Multivariable regression and bootstrap were used to verify factors associated with the patients' general satisfaction (dependent variable). Patients from unit B reported a higher general satisfaction (91.5 vs. 88.3, p = 0.04), mainly due to a significantly higher satisfaction in the doctor-related scales (doctors' technical skill: p = 0.001; doctors' interpersonal skill: p = 0.008; doctors' availability: p = 0.005, and doctors information provision: p = 0.0006). Multivariable regression analysis and bootstrap confirmed that level of care in unit B (p = 0.006, bootstrap frequency 60%) along with lower level of education of the patient population (p = 0.02, bootstrap frequency 62%) were independent factors associated with a higher general patient satisfaction. We were able to show a different level of patient satisfaction in patients operated on in two different thoracic surgery units. A reduced level of patient satisfaction may trigger changes in the management policy of individual units in order to meet patients' expectations and improve organizational efficiency. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Immunological alterations in individuals exposed to metal(loid)s in the Panasqueira mining area, Central Portugal.

PubMed

Coelho, Patrícia; García-Lestón, Julia; Costa, Solange; Costa, Carla; Silva, Susana; Fuchs, Dietmar; Geisler, Simon; Dall'Armi, Valentina; Zoffoli, Roberto; Bonassi, Stefano; Pásaro, Eduardo; Laffon, Blanca; Teixeira, João Paulo

2014-03-15

Environmental studies performed in Panasqueira mine area (central Portugal) identified high concentrations of several metal(loid)s in environmental media, and individuals environmentally and occupationally exposed showed higher levels of As, Cr, Mg, Mn, Mo, Pb and Zn in blood, urine, hair and nails when compared to unexposed controls. To evaluate the presence of immunological alterations attributable to environmental contamination, we quantified neopterin, kynurenine, tryptophan, and nitrite concentrations in plasma, and analysed the percentage of several lymphocytes subsets, namely CD3(+), CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells, CD19(+) B-cells, and CD16(+)56(+) natural killer (NK) cells in a group of individuals previously tested for metal(loid) levels in different biological matrices. The environmentally exposed group had significantly lower levels of %CD8(+) and higher CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratios, whereas the occupationally exposed individuals showed significant decreases in %CD3(+) and %CD4(+), and significant increases in %CD16(+)56(+), when compared to controls. Analysed biomarkers were found to be influenced by age, particularly neopterin, kynurenine and kynurenine to tryptophan ratio (Kyn/Trp) with significantly higher levels in older individuals, and %CD3(+), %CD8(+) and %CD19(+) with significantly lower values in older individuals. Males environmentally exposed showed significantly lower values of %CD19(+) when compared to control females. The concentration of Pb in toenails was associated to the level of neopterin, kynurenine and Kyn/Trp ratio (all direct), and the concentration of Mn in blood to the level of %CD8(+), %CD19(+) (both inverse) and CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio (direct). Overall our results show that the metal(loid) contamination in Panasqueira mine area induced immunotoxic effects in exposed populations, possibly increasing susceptibility to diseases. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The role of BDNF, leptin, and catecholamines in reward learning in bulimia nervosa.

PubMed

Homan, Philipp; Grob, Simona; Milos, Gabriella; Schnyder, Ulrich; Eckert, Anne; Lang, Undine; Hasler, Gregor

2014-12-07

A relationship between bulimia nervosa and reward-related behavior is supported by several lines of evidence. The dopaminergic dysfunctions in the processing of reward-related stimuli have been shown to be modulated by the neurotrophin brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the hormone leptin. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, a reward learning task was applied to study the behavior of 20 female subjects with remitted bulimia nervosa and 27 female healthy controls under placebo and catecholamine depletion with alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine (AMPT). The plasma levels of BDNF and leptin were measured twice during the placebo and the AMPT condition, immediately before and 1 hour after a standardized breakfast. AMPT-induced differences in plasma BDNF levels were positively correlated with the AMPT-induced differences in reward learning in the whole sample (P=.05). Across conditions, plasma brain derived neurotrophic factor levels were higher in remitted bulimia nervosa subjects compared with controls (diagnosis effect; P=.001). Plasma BDNF and leptin levels were higher in the morning before compared with after a standardized breakfast across groups and conditions (time effect; P<.0001). The plasma leptin levels were higher under catecholamine depletion compared with placebo in the whole sample (treatment effect; P=.0004). This study reports on preliminary findings that suggest a catecholamine-dependent association of plasma BDNF and reward learning in subjects with remitted bulimia nervosa and controls. A role of leptin in reward learning is not supported by this study. However, leptin levels were sensitive to a depletion of catecholamine stores in both remitted bulimia nervosa and controls. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of CINP.

Mechanisms of tissue uptake and retention of paclitaxel-coated balloons: impact on neointimal proliferation and healing.

PubMed

Granada, Juan F; Stenoien, Mark; Buszman, Piotr P; Tellez, Armando; Langanki, Dan; Kaluza, Greg L; Leon, Martin B; Gray, William; Jaff, Michael R; Schwartz, Robert S

2014-01-01

The efficacy of paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCB) for restenosis prevention has been demonstrated in humans. However, the mechanism of action for sustained drug retention and biological efficacy following single-time drug delivery is still unknown. The pharmacokinetic profile and differences in drug concentration (vessel surface vs arterial wall) of two different paclitaxel coating formulations (3 µg/mm(2)) displaying opposite solubility characteristics (CC=crystalline vs AC=amorphous) were tested in vivo and compared with paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES). Also, the biological effect of both PCB formulations on vascular healing was tested in the porcine coronary injury model. One hour following balloon inflation, both formulations achieved similar arterial paclitaxel levels (CC=310 vs AC=245 ng/mg; p=NS). At 24 h, the CC maintained similar tissue concentrations, whereas the AC tissue levels declined by 99% (p<0.01). At this time point, arterial levels were 20-fold (CC) and 5-fold (AC) times higher compared to the PES group (p<0.05). At 28 days, arterial levels retained were 9.2% (CC) and 0.04% (AC, p<0.01) of the baseline levels. Paclitaxel concentration on the vessel surface was higher in the CC at 1 (CC=36.7% vs AC=13.1%, p<0.05) and 7 days (CC=38.4% vs AC=11%, p<0.05). In addition, the CC induced higher levels of neointimal inhibition, fibrin deposition and delayed healing compared with the AC group. The presence of paclitaxel deposits on the vessel surface driving diffusion into the arterial tissue in a time-dependent fashion supports the mechanism of action of PCB. This specific pharmacokinetic behaviour influences the patterns of neointimal formation and healing.

Mechanisms of tissue uptake and retention of paclitaxel-coated balloons: impact on neointimal proliferation and healing

PubMed Central

Granada, Juan F; Stenoien, Mark; Buszman, Piotr P; Tellez, Armando; Langanki, Dan; Kaluza, Greg L; Leon, Martin B; Gray, William; Jaff, Michael R; Schwartz, Robert S

2014-01-01

Background The efficacy of paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCB) for restenosis prevention has been demonstrated in humans. However, the mechanism of action for sustained drug retention and biological efficacy following single-time drug delivery is still unknown. Methods and results The pharmacokinetic profile and differences in drug concentration (vessel surface vs arterial wall) of two different paclitaxel coating formulations (3 µg/mm2) displaying opposite solubility characteristics (CC=crystalline vs AC=amorphous) were tested in vivo and compared with paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES). Also, the biological effect of both PCB formulations on vascular healing was tested in the porcine coronary injury model. One hour following balloon inflation, both formulations achieved similar arterial paclitaxel levels (CC=310 vs AC=245 ng/mg; p=NS). At 24 h, the CC maintained similar tissue concentrations, whereas the AC tissue levels declined by 99% (p<0.01). At this time point, arterial levels were 20-fold (CC) and 5-fold (AC) times higher compared to the PES group (p<0.05). At 28 days, arterial levels retained were 9.2% (CC) and 0.04% (AC, p<0.01) of the baseline levels. Paclitaxel concentration on the vessel surface was higher in the CC at 1 (CC=36.7% vs AC=13.1%, p<0.05) and 7 days (CC=38.4% vs AC=11%, p<0.05). In addition, the CC induced higher levels of neointimal inhibition, fibrin deposition and delayed healing compared with the AC group. Conclusions The presence of paclitaxel deposits on the vessel surface driving diffusion into the arterial tissue in a time-dependent fashion supports the mechanism of action of PCB. This specific pharmacokinetic behaviour influences the patterns of neointimal formation and healing. PMID:25332821

Excess Metabolic and Cardiovascular Risk is not Manifested in all Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment.

PubMed

Daskalopoulos, Georgios; Karkanaki, Artemis; Piouka, Athanasia; Prapas, Nikolaos; Panidis, Dimitrios; Gkeleris, Paraschos; Athyros, Vasilios G

2015-01-01

To assess the potential differences in the metabolic and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk between the distinct phenotypes of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) according to the Rotterdam definition regardless of body mass index (BMI). The study included 300 women; 240 women with PCOS, according to the Rotterdam criteria and 60 controls without PCOS. All women were further subdivided, according to their BMI, into normal-weight and overweight/obese and PCOS women were furthermore subdivided to the 4 phenotypes of the syndrome. A complete hormonal and metabolic profile as well as the levels of high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) were measured. Levels of surrogate markers of subclinical atherosclerosis (hsCRP and Lp-PLA2), levels of evaluated CVD risk score using risk engines, and several correlations of CVD risk factors. hsCRP levels were higher but not significantly so in PCOS women compared with controls. In lean PCOS patients, Lp-PLA2 levels were significantly higher, compared with lean controls, mainly in the 2 classic phenotypes. Overweight/obese patients in all 4 phenotypes had significantly higher Lp-PLA2 levels compared with overweight/obese controls. Evaluated CVD risk according to 4 risk engines was not different among phenotypes and between PCOS patients and controls. There were several correlations of risk factors with metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease requiring appropriate treatment. Only 2 of 4 Rotterdam phenotypes, identical with those of the classic PCOS definition, have excess cardiometabolic risk. These need to be treated to prevent CVD events.

The anxiety of Taiwanese women with or without continuity treatment after previous in vitro fertilisation failure.

PubMed

Su, Tsann-Juu; Tzeng, Ya-Ling; Kuo, Pi-Chao

2011-08-01

To compare the anxiety levels of Taiwanese women who continued with in vitro fertilisation treatment and those who discontinued treatment post-in vitro fertilisation failure. In vitro fertilisation is perceived as the last resort of infertility treatment. The impact of unsuccessful in vitro fertilisation treatment on psychological function has been documented; however, research comparing the levels of anxiety of women who cease and those who continue in vitro fertilisation post-failure is scant. A cross-sectional comparative study design was used. Fifty-eight women in whom in vitro fertilisation had failed within the previous year were recruited to this study from a medical centre in northern Taiwan; 34 women continued treatment and 24 discontinued treatment. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to assess their levels of anxiety. Women in the group who continued treatment exhibited higher state and trait anxiety (TA) than women in the group who discontinued treatment (p < 0·005). The number and frequency of in vitro fertilisation cycles were significantly higher in the group who continued treatment than in those who did not. A strong positive correlation between state and TA (r = 0·8, p < 0·01) existed in both groups. Both groups exhibited considerable levels of anxiety; however, the women who continued in vitro fertilisation treatment had higher levels of anxiety than those who discontinued treatment. The level of anxiety of women who decide to continue in vitro fertilisation treatment should be assessed as early as possible and counselling services provided to women who experience in vitro fertilisation failure should concentrate more on relieving psychological distress. One year after discontinuing treatment, some women still experience considerable anxiety; therefore, the care and assistance provided to these women need to be continually evaluated. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor level is more sensitive than angiotensin-converting enzyme or lysozyme for diagnosis of sarcoidosis and may be a marker of multiple organ involvement.

PubMed

Thi Hong Nguyen, Chuyen; Kambe, Naotomo; Kishimoto, Izumi; Ueda-Hayakawa, Ikuko; Okamoto, Hiroyuki

2017-07-01

Skin lesions in sarcoidosis are often the initial symptoms that enable the dermatologist to be the first to diagnose this granulomatosis. However, diagnosis is sometimes very problematic. In 2015, the diagnostic criteria for sarcoidosis were updated in Japan, with elevated serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) replacing negative tuberculin reaction. Therefore, we assessed the clinical utility of sIL-2R compared with two other common markers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and lysozyme, in patients who visited the dermatology clinic. Data from 72 patients showed that sIL-2R was more sensitive than both ACE and lysozyme in supporting a diagnosis of sarcoidosis (52.8%) compared with ACE (29%) and lysozyme (26.4%). Additionally, the sIL-2R level was significantly higher in patients with multiple organ involvement and parenchymal infiltration. Patients with elevated sIL-2R levels had higher serum ACE and lysozyme levels, a higher incidence of pulmonary involvement, more severe chest radiographic stage and a high incidence of expression-specific signs by imaging analysis. Receiver-operator curve analysis showed that sIL-2R was a better marker at the threshold cut-off point compared with ACE and lysozyme for identifying patients with multiple organ involvement, detecting patients with pulmonary disease and parenchymal infiltration as well as predicting the presence of specific signs in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Moreover, the kinetics of sIL-2R levels correlated closely with clinical manifestations, in contrast to the modest changes of ACE and lysozyme levels during the follow-up period. In conclusion, sIL-2R may be considered a good marker for diagnosis and a potential indicator of disease activity. © 2017 Japanese Dermatological Association.

Application of Monoclonal Antibodies to Detect and Compare the Levels of Streptococcus mutans in Adolescents Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment with Those Not Undergoing Treatment.

PubMed

Kim, Jae Hwan; Kim, Mi Ah; Kim, Jae Gon

2016-10-01

The purpose of this study was to detect Streptococcus mutans by using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against S. mutans that cause dental caries and compare the levels of the bacterium between the saliva of adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment (OT) and those not undergoing treatment (NT). Saliva samples, collected from 25 OT adolescents (with a mean age of 12.84 years) and 25 NT adolescents (mean age of 12.4 years), were analyzed by Dentocult-SM and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using mAbs against Ag I/II (ckAg I/II) and GTF B (ckGTF B), GTF C (ckGTF C), and GTF D (ckGTF D) of S. mutans. The DMFT index was slightly higher in the OT group (5.12 in OT and 4.96 in NT) and the level of S. mutans (≥10 5 CFU/mL) was higher in OT (72%) than in NT (56%). The detected levels of ckAg I/II, ckGTF B, ckGTF C, and ckGTF D were slightly higher in OT than in NT. The results of this study indicate that use of mAbs against S. mutans yields sensitive detection for the bacterium in saliva samples and shows that it has a reliable connection to the number of S. mutans and decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT), suggesting that the levels of S. mutans in saliva can be defined and compared by the application of the mAbs.

Comparative Studies of Enzymes Related to Serine Metabolism in Higher Plants 1

PubMed Central

Cheung, Geoffrey P.; Rosenblum, I. Y.; Sallach, H. J.

1968-01-01

The following enzymes related to serine metabolism in higher plants have been investigated: 1) d-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase, 2) phosphohydroxypyruvate:l-glutamate transaminase, 3) d-glycerate dehydrogenase, and 4) hydroxypyruvate:l-alanine transaminase. Comparative studies on the distribution of the 2 dehydrogenases in seeds and leaves from various plants revealed that d-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase is widely distributed in seeds in contrast to d-glycerate dehydrogenase, which is either absent or present at low levels, and that the reverse pattern is observed in green leaves. The levels of activity of the 4 enzymes listed above were followed in different tissues of the developing pea (Pisum sativum, var. Alaska). In the leaf, from the tenth to seventeenth day of germination, the specific activity of d-glycerate dehydrogenase increased markedly and was much higher than d-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase which remained relatively constant during this time period. Etiolation resulted in a decrease in d-glycerate dehydrogenase and an increase in d-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase activities. In apical meristem, on the other hand, the level of d-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase exceeded that of d-glycerate dehydrogenase at all time periods studied. Low and decreasing levels of both dehydrogenases were found in epicotyl and cotyledon. The specific activities of the 2 transaminases remained relatively constant during development in both leaf and apical meristem. In general, however, the levels of phosphohydroxypyruvate:l-glutamate transaminase were comparable to those of d-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase in a given tissue as were those for hydroxypyruvate: l-alanine transaminase and d-glycerate dehydrogenase. PMID:5699148

Association between suicidal ideation and behavior, and depression, anxiety, and perceived social support in cancer patients.

PubMed

Balcı Şengül, Melike Ceyhan; Kaya, Vildan; Şen, Cenk Ahmet; Kaya, Kemal

2014-02-27

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between suicidal behavior and associated factors such as depression, anxiety, and perceived social support level in cancer patients. The study group included 102 patients who were under treatment in the oncology department and the control group included 100 individuals with similar sociodemographic features. A sociodemographic information form, Beck depression inventory, Beck anxiety inventory, suicidal behavior inventory, suicidal ideation inventory, and multidimensional inventory of perceived social support were used. The mean Beck depression inventory and Beck anxiety inventory scores in the study group were significantly higher compared to the control group. Thirteen patients in the study group attempted suicide, whereas 3 individuals attempted suicide in the control group. Similarly, the mean suicide behavior and ideation scores in the study group were significantly higher compared to the control group. The mean total multidimensional inventories of perceived social support score, as well as the mean family and friend sub-inventory scores in the control group were significantly higher compared to the study group. This study revealed that depression and anxiety occur frequently in cancer patients. Suicide attempts and ideation are higher in cancer patients compared to the control group. Social support perceived from family and friends is lower in cancer patients. Suicide attempts are correlated with depression, anxiety, low level of perceived social support, and advanced disease stage.

The short-term and decade-long effects of divorce on women's midlife health.

PubMed

Lorenz, Frederick O; Wickrama, K A S; Conger, Rand D; Elder, Glen H

2006-06-01

We hypothesize that divorce immediately increases psychological distress and has long-term negative consequences for the physical health of divorced people. In addition, we hypothesize that divorce indirectly causes long-term increases in distress through stressful midlife events. The hypotheses are tested using data from 416 rural Iowa women who were interviewed repeatedly in the early 1990s when they were mothers of adolescent children; the women were interviewed again in 2001. The data support the hypotheses. In the years immediately after their divorce (1991-1994), divorced women reported significantly higher levels ofpsychological distress than married women but no differences in physical illness. A decade later (in 2001), the divorced women reported significantly higher levels of illness, even after controlling for age, remarriage, education, income, and prior health. Compared to their married counterparts, divorced women reported higher levels of stressful life events between 1994 and 2000, which led to higher levels of depressive symptoms in 2001.

Noise pollution in the hospital environment of a developing country: A case study of Lahore (Pakistan).

PubMed

Baqar, Mujtaba; Arslan, Muhammad; Abbasi, Saddam A; Ashraf, Uzma; Khalid, Anam; Zahid, Hina

2017-08-24

The present study investigates the noise pollution levels in public- and private-sector hospitals of Lahore. The noise pollution parameters were investigated from 20 public and 10 private hospitals. We observed that the equivalent continuous sound level (Leq) values varied significantly in different departments of the hospitals as well as at different times of the day. The public-sector hospitals had significantly higher noise pollution compared to the private-sector hospitals. The Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney two-sample rank-sum test revealed significant difference between noise levels in intensive care unit (ICU) during morning and in emergency, waiting area, intensive care unit (ICU), and reception during daytimes. However, no significant differences were found for any department during the evening. The Leq values were found to be higher than the international norms (WHO standards) for all hospitals, higher than USEPA for 29 hospitals and higher than local standards for 27 hospitals. Overall, significantly lower sound levels were always observed in private hospitals.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in hookah smokers, cigarette smokers and non-smokers.

PubMed

Sajid, Khan Mohammad; Parveen, Riffat; Durr-e-Sabih; Chaouachi, Kamal; Naeem, Ayisha; Mahmood, Rubaida; Shamim, Rahat

2007-12-01

To find CEA levels in smokers of different categories (hookah smokers, cigarette smokers smoking different brands of cigarettes and different number of cigarettes per day) and to correlate CEA levels with type and rate of smoking. A total of 122 cigarette smokers (115 men and 7 women) and 14 hookah smokers (all men) with age ranging from 16-80 years were studied. CEA levels were also measured in 36 non-smokers who served as controls. Enhanced chemilumiscent immunometeric technique was applied to measure CEA levels in our subjects. The mean CEA levels of cigarette smokers were compared with the mean CEA levels observed in hookah smokers (7.16 +/- 10.4 ng/ml) and non-smokers (2.15 +/- 0.68 ng/ml). The mean value of CEA level observed in cigarette smokers, 9.19 +/- 14.9 ng/ml (n=122) was significantly higher than the levels in non-smokers and hookah smokers (p < 0.0067). It was also observed that CEA levels increased with the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The highest levels were observed in smokers who smoke more than 31 cigarettes per day. The smokers that use relatively cheaper brands of cigarettes had higher levels of CEA compared to those who use high quality brands. It was concluded that the brands of cigarettes (which were ranked on the basis of price) and the rate of smoking both play an important role in raising the CEA levels. Further the common belief that hookah also called narghile or shisha is a relatively safe mode of smoking is not completely correct; a significant proportion of hookah smokers have high levels of CEA although mean levels of hookah smokers were low compared to cigarette smokers.

Is Profit Status of Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities Independently Associated with 30-day Unplanned Hospital Readmission for Medicare Beneficiaries?

PubMed Central

Karmarkar, Amol; Lin, Yu-Li; Kuo, Yong-Fang; Ottenbacher, Kenneth J.; Graham, James E.

2017-01-01

Objective To investigate the effects of facility-level factors on 30-day unplanned risk-adjusted hospital readmission after Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFs) discharge. Design We used the 100% Medicare claims data, covering 269,306 discharges from 1,094 IRFs between October 2010 and September 2011. We examined the association between hospital readmission and ten facility-level factors (number of discharges, disproportionate share percentage, profit status, teaching status, freestanding status, accreditation status, census region, stroke belt, location and median household income). Setting Discharge from IRFs. Participants Facilities (IRFs) serving Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries. Intervention NA Main Outcome Measure(s) Risk Standardized Readmission Rate (RSRR) for 30-day hospital readmission. Results Profit status was the only IRF provider-level characteristic significantly associated with unplanned readmissions. For-profit IRFs had significantly higher RSRR (13.26 ± 0.51) as compared to non-profit IRFs (13.15 ± 0.47) (p<0.001). After controlling for all other facility characteristics (except for accreditation status due to collinearity), for-profit IRFs remained 0.1% point higher RSRR than non-profit IRFs, and census region was the only significant region-level characteristic, with the South showing the highest RSRR of all regions (p=0.005 for both, type III test). Conclusions Our findings support the inclusion of profit status on the IRF Compare website (a platform includes IRF comparators to indicate quality of services). For-profit IRFs had higher RSRR than non-profit IRFs for Medicare beneficiaries. The South had higher RSRR than other regions. The RSRR difference between for-profit and non-profit IRFs could be due to the combined effects of organizational and regional factors. PMID:28958606

Exaggerated Acute Lung Injury and Impaired Antibacterial Defenses During Staphylococcus aureus Infection in Rats with the Metabolic Syndrome

PubMed Central

Feng, Xiaomei; Maze, Mervyn; Koch, Lauren G.; Britton, Steven L.; Hellman, Judith

2015-01-01

Rats with Metabolic Syndrome (MetaS) have a dysregulated immune response to the aseptic trauma of surgery. We hypothesized that rats with MetaS would have dysregulated inflammation, increased lung injury, and less effective antibacterial defenses during Staphylococcus (S.) aureus sepsis as compared to rats without MetaS. Low capacity runner (LCR; a model of MetaS) and high capacity runner (HCR) rats were challenged intravenously with S. aureus bacteria. After 48 h, inflammatory mediators and bacteria were quantified in the blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung homogenates. Lungs were analyzed histologically. BALF protein and lung wet-dry ratios were quantified to assess for vascular leak. Endpoints were compared in infected LCR vs HCR rats. LCR rats had higher blood and lung S. aureus counts, as well as higher levels of IL-6 in plasma, lungs and BALF, MIP-2 in plasma and lung, and IL-17A in lungs. Conversely, LCR rats had lower levels of IL-10 in plasma and lungs. Although lactate levels, and liver and renal function tests were similar between groups, LCR rats had higher BALF protein and lung wet-dry ratios, and more pronounced acute lung injury histologically. During S. aureus bacteremia, as compared with HCR rats, LCR (MetaS) rats have heightened pro-inflammatory responses, accompanied by increased acute lung injury and vascular leak. Notably, despite an augmented pro-inflammatory phenotype, LCR rats have higher bacterial levels in their blood and lungs. The MetaS state may exacerbate lung injury and vascular leak by attenuating the inflammation-resolving response, and by weakening antimicrobial defenses. PMID:25978669

Real-Time Classification of Exercise Exertion Levels Using Discriminant Analysis of HRV Data.

PubMed

Jeong, In Cheol; Finkelstein, Joseph

2015-01-01

Heart rate variability (HRV) was shown to reflect activation of sympathetic nervous system however it is not clear which set of HRV parameters is optimal for real-time classification of exercise exertion levels. There is no studies that compared potential of two types of HRV parameters (time-domain and frequency-domain) in predicting exercise exertion level using discriminant analysis. The main goal of this study was to compare potential of HRV time-domain parameters versus HRV frequency-domain parameters in classifying exercise exertion level. Rest, exercise, and recovery categories were used in classification models. Overall 79.5% classification agreement by the time-domain parameters as compared to overall 52.8% classification agreement by frequency-domain parameters demonstrated that the time-domain parameters had higher potential in classifying exercise exertion levels.

[Evaluation of adiponectin level in children and adolescents with diabetes type 1].

PubMed

Peczyńska, Jadwiga; Urban, Mirosława; Głowińska, Barbara; Florys, Bozena

2008-01-01

Adipose tissue is not only an energy storage place, but it also secretes numerous "adipocytokines" - substances that have systemic influence. Adiponectin has an anti-inflammatory, antiatherogenic properties and increases insulin sensitivity. It is emphasized that adiponectin levels are different in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. was to evaluate adiponectin levels in young patients with diabetes type 1, and to analyse of the correlation between adiponectin and: BMI, lipid parameters, glomerular filtration rate and microalbuminuria. The study group was formed by 95 patients from the Outpatient Diabetology Department 2nd Department of Children's Diseases, 45 girls and 50 boys, aged from 7 to 20 years (mean - 14.97 yrs) suffering from diabetes from 1 to 17 years (mean 6.68 yrs). Control group consisted of healthy children, age matched, without family history of cardiovascular diseases. In all patients anthropometric measurements were performed (BMI was calculated), metabolic control was evaluated on the basis of HbA1c level, microalbuminuria was studied in 24 hour urine sample. We assessed glomerular filtration rate (endogenous creatinine clearance), lipid parameters and adiponectin level. In children and adolescents with diabetes type 1 we found significantly higher levels of adiponectin compared to control group: 32.72+/-13.49 vs. 26.53+/-7.63 ug/ml; p=0.024. Adiponectin level was higher in girls than in boys (33.56 vs. 28.75 ug/ml; p=0.036). Adiponectin level did not depend on metabolic control and on diabetes duration. We found a statistically significant negative correlation between adiponectin and creatinine (r=-0.26; p=0.011). In patients with diabetic complications we found insignificantly lower adiponectin level compared to patients without complications (30.99+/-14.29 vs. 33.67+/-11.68 ug/ml; p=0.35). 1. In patients with diabetes type 1 significantly higher level of adiponectin was found compared to healthy control group. 2. Adiponectin level correlated negatively with creatinine level end microalbuminuria. 3. Elevated level of adiponectin in patients without diabetic complications may help to explain the pathogenesis of diabetic angiopathy.

Comparison of biomarkers in serum and induced sputum of patients with occupational asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Kleniewska, Aneta; Walusiak-Skorupa, Jolanta; Piotrowski, Wojciech; Nowakowska-Świrta, Ewa; Wiszniewska, Marta

2016-07-22

Occupational asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with the airway inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to compare the sputum and serum markers of inflammation in patients with occupational asthma and COPD. The study group included 20 patients with stable COPD, 24 patients with asthma, and 22 healthy subjects. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 levels in serum and induced sputum as well as fibrinogen and CRP in serum were determined in all the subjects. Higher concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP-9 in induced sputum and an increased concentration of acute-phase proteins in serum were observed in COPD patients compared with healthy subjects. Higher concentrations of IL-1β and MMP-9 in induced sputum and a higher concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) were detected in COPD patients than in asthmatic subjects. Never smokers with COPD had significantly higher levels of IL-1β and MMP-9 in induced sputum than never smoker controls. There was no significant difference between the serum and sputum levels of cytokines and MMP-9 of never smokers and smokers with COPD. Higher concentrations of IL-1β and MMP-9 in induced sputum and a higher concentration of CRP in serum allow distinguishing between biomarker profiles of COPD patients and asthmatic patients. Occupational exposure induces a systemic proinflammatory state with increased levels of acute-phase proteins in stable COPD patients. MMP-9 and IL-1β concentrations are increased in induced sputum of never smokers with COPD, which is associated with occupational exposure.

The Soundtrack of Recklessness: Musical Preferences among Adolescents.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arnett, Jeffrey

1992-01-01

Adolescents (n=248) with various musical preferences were compared. Adolescents who preferred hard rock or heavy metal music reported higher rates of reckless behavior and were associated with higher levels of sensation seeking, negative family relationships, and, among girls, lower self-esteem. The relationship between sensation seeking, reckless…

Going Overseas for Higher Education: The Asian Experience.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cummings, William K.

1984-01-01

Focuses on national differences in the numbers of students from selected Asian countries who undertake higher education abroad. Contrasts the development approach and the world-systems approach in national educational systems. Compares and presents a cross-sectional model of patterns, national levels, and determinants of sending students abroad.…

Comparing National Policies on Institutional Profiling in Germany and the Netherlands

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klumpp, Matthias; de Boer, Harry; Vossensteyn, Hans

2014-01-01

The concepts of differentiation and profiling are cornerstones in discussions about the organisation of contemporary higher education systems, following the trends of massification and global competition. This contribution provides a system-level description and comparison of the German and Dutch higher education systems regarding these topics,…

Nitrogen competition between corn and weeds in soils under organic and conventional management

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Cropping systems research has shown that organic systems can have comparable yields to conventional systems at higher weed biomass levels. Higher weed tolerance in organic systems could be due to differences in labile soil organic matter and nitrogen (N) mineralization potential. The objective of ou...

Meditation in Higher Education: Does It Enhance Cognition?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Helber, Casey; Zook, Nancy A.; Immergut, Matthew

2012-01-01

We predicted that students in a sociology course that included contemplative practices (i.e., mindfulness meditation) would show an increase in performance on higher level cognitive abilities (executive functions) over the semester compared to a control group of students. Change in executive functions performance was not significantly different…

Comparative Evaluation of Pain, Stress, Neuropeptide Y, ACTH, and Cortisol Levels Between a Conventional Postoperative Care Protocol and a Fast-Track Recovery Program in Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery.

PubMed

Kapritsou, Maria; Papathanassoglou, Elizabeth D; Bozas, Evangelos; Korkolis, Dimitrios P; Konstantinou, Evangelos A; Kaklamanos, Ioannis; Giannakopoulou, Margarita

2017-03-01

Fast-track (FT) postoperative protocol in oncological patients after major abdominal surgery reduces complications and length of postoperative stay compared to the conventional (CON) protocol. However, stress and pain responses have not been compared between the two protocols. To compare stress, pain, and related neuropeptidic responses (adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH], cortisol, and neuropeptide Y [NPY]) between FT and CON protocols. A clinical trial with repeated measurements was conducted (May 2012 to May 2014) with a sample of 63 hepatectomized or pancreatectomized patients randomized into two groups: FT ( n = 29) or CON ( n = 34). Demographic and clinical data were collected, and pain (Visual Analog Scale [VAS] and Behavioral Pain Scale [BPS]) and stress responses (3 self-report questions) assessed. NPY, ACTH, and cortisol plasma levels were measured at T1 = day of admission, T2 = day of surgery, and T3 = prior to discharge. ACTH T1 and ACTH T2 levels were positively correlated with self-reported stress levels (ρ = .43 and ρ = .45, respectively, p < .05) in the FT group. NPY levels in the FT group were higher than those in the CON group at all time points ( p ≤ .004); this difference remained significant after adjusting for T1 levels through analysis of covariance for age, gender, and body mass index ( F = .003, F = .149, F = .015, respectively, p > .05). Neuropeptidic levels were higher in the FT group. Future research should evaluate this association further, as these biomarkers might serve as objective indicators of postoperative pain and stress.

Nuclear factor kappa B in patients with a history of unstable angina: case re-opened.

PubMed

Mozzini, Chiara; Garbin, Ulisse; Stranieri, Chiara; Salandini, Giulia; Pesce, Giancarlo; Fratta Pasini, Anna Maria; Cominacini, Luciano

2018-06-01

This study aims at assessing NF-kB activity in unstable angina (UA) patients free of symptoms after a 1 year follow-up (1YFU). Plasma oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL), circulating NF-kB, Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Interleukin 1β (IL-1β), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), as markers of oxidative stress and inflammation and plasma double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA), as marker of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs), were measured in 23 of the previously enrolled 27 UA patients. These measurements were compared to the UA data at baseline, and then compared to the data derived from the stable angina (SA) and controls (C) enrolled in our previous study (we demonstrated that UA had higher levels of NF-kB compared to SA and C). After a 1YFU, UA patients show a significant decrease in NF-kB, IL-6, hs-CRP, oxLDL, and ds-DNA plasma levels (p < 0.001) and in IL-1β and White Blood Cells (WBC) (p < 0.005), without differences in lipid and glucose assessment. If compared to SA and C, UA after a 1YFU have higher levels of NF-kB, IL-6, ds-DNA, WBC, and oxLDL compared to C (p < 0.001), but only IL-6 is higher than SA (p < 0.001). No differences are found in lipid and glucose assessment. After a 1YFU, patients with a history of UA improve their oxidative and inflammatory status, such as the levels of circulating ds-DNA, without achieving the status of C. They become comparable to SA subjects. This study provides new insight on the multiple and apparently contradictory facets of NF-kB in UA and on its possible role as mediator in NETs' formation.

Age and socially related changes in fecal androgen metabolite concentrations in free-ranging male giraffes.

PubMed

Wolf, T E; Schaebs, F S; Bennett, N C; Burroughs, R; Ganswindt, A

2018-01-01

In many mammal species, androgen levels in males are elevated during periods of mating activity, often to facilitate aggressive behavior between males over access to fertile females. However, this pattern might be less obvious in species with a rather low male-male aggression rate, or in those that are not strictly seasonal breeders. A complex social structure, as well as additional social and environmental factors, might add more to the complexity. Here, we applied a non-invasive method to monitor fecal androgen metabolite (fAM) levels in free-ranging giraffe bulls over a period of months to examine longitudinal patterns of androgen metabolite concentrations in relation to observed male sexual behavior in different age classes. Giraffes are non-seasonal breeders, living in a fission-fusion social system and males show a roaming strategy to search for fertile females. Our results show that season has an impact on fAM levels in free-ranging giraffes, with respective steroid concentrations being higher in summer. In the presence of females, fAM levels of bulls are significantly higher compared to when found in all-male groups, with old adult bulls showing the highest fAM levels. In contrast, young adult bulls have overall slightly higher fAM levels compared to old adult bulls when residing in all male groups. Sexual behavior increases fAM levels only in old adult bulls. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Studies on the Gastrin Levels in the Patients with Renal Failure

PubMed Central

Kim, Myung Hwan; Kim, Han Su; Rim, Kyu Sung; Bang, Ik Soo; Kim, Myung Jae; Chang, Rin; Min, Young II

1986-01-01

Fasting and postprandial gastrin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in serum from 15 patients with renal failure and compared with those in 15 healthy controls. Pre- and posthemodialysis gastrin levels were also measured. The fasting serum gastrin levels and serum gastrin response to a standard meal in the patients with renal failure were significantly higher than those in normal controls. Fasting and meal stimulated gastrin levels were not significantly different in renal failure patients with peptic ulcer when compared with those in renal failure patients without peptic ulcer. There were no statistically significant differences in the serum gastrin levels before and after hemodialysis in patients with renal failure. PMID:15759375

Assessment of insulin sensitivity/resistance and their relations with leptin concentrations and anthropometric measures in a pregnant population with and without gestational diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Yilmaz, Ozgur; Kucuk, Mert; Ilgin, Aydin; Dagdelen, Muride

2010-01-01

Fifty-six pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 42 normal glucose tolerant (NGT) pregnant women between 26 and 36 gestational weeks were included in the study prospectively. The body fat percentage (BFP) was calculated using the Siri formula from skinfold thickness (SFT) measurements. Both groups were comparable for gestational age, height, weight, and body mass index (P>.05). Insulin resistance assessed by homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) method was significantly higher in GDM patients compared to their NGT weight-matched control group. In contrast, the insulin sensitivity calculated from quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI-IS) equation was significantly lower in GDM group. Calculated lean body mass was found to be similar in between both groups. Body fat percentage derived from SFT parameters was significantly higher in women with GDM. Women with GDM had significantly higher levels of serum insulin and leptin concentrations when compared with the NGT group. All SFT measurements were higher in GDM group when compared to those in NGT women. We did not find any correlation between leptin levels and insulin resistance; we found negative correlation between leptin levels and insulin sensitivity. Thus, we observed that leptin may contribute development of GDM by decreasing insulin sensitivity but not increasing insulin resistance. Also, we observed that the BFP estimated by the Siri formula from SFT measurements correlated significantly with HOMA-IR and QUICKI-IS and leptin concentrations in pregnant women. We suggest that by simply evaluating SFT, we may hold a view about BFP and leptin concentrations and insulin sensitivity in pregnant women.

Circulating Endothelial Cells and Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Pediatric Sepsis.

PubMed

Zahran, Asmaa Mohamad; Elsayh, Khalid Ibrahim; Mohamad, Ismail Lotfy; Hassan, Gamal Mohamad; Abdou, Madleen Adel A

2016-03-01

The aim of the study was to measure the number of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEPs) in pediatric patients with sepsis and correlating it with the severity of the disease and its outcome. The study included 19 children with sepsis, 26 with complicated sepsis, and 30 healthy controls. The patients were investigated within 48 hours of pediatric intensive care unit admission together with flow cytometric detection of CECs and CEPs. The levels of both CECs and CEPs were significantly higher in patient with sepsis and complicated sepsis than the controls. The levels of CECs were higher in patients with complicated sepsis, whereas the levels of CEPs were lower in patients with complicated sepsis. Comparing the survival and nonsurvival septic patients, the levels of CEPs were significantly higher in the survival than in nonsurvival patients, whereas the levels of CECs were significantly lower in the survival than in nonsurvival patients. Serum albumin was higher in survival than in nonsurvival patients. Estimation of CECs and CEPs and their correlation with other parameters such as serum albumen could add important information regarding prognosis in septic pediatric patients.

Dietary Behaviours, Impulsivity and Food Involvement: Identification of Three Consumer Segments

PubMed Central

Sarmugam, Rani; Worsley, Anthony

2015-01-01

This study aims to (1) identify consumer segments based on consumers’ impulsivity and level of food involvement, and (2) examine the dietary behaviours of each consumer segment. An Internet-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 530 respondents. The mean age of the participants was 49.2 ± 16.6 years, and 27% were tertiary educated. Two-stage cluster analysis revealed three distinct segments; “impulsive, involved” (33.4%), “rational, health conscious” (39.2%), and “uninvolved” (27.4%). The “impulsive, involved” segment was characterised by higher levels of impulsivity and food involvement (importance of food) compared to the other two segments. This segment also reported significantly more frequent consumption of fast foods, takeaways, convenience meals, salted snacks and use of ready-made sauces and mixes in cooking compared to the “rational, health conscious” consumers. They also reported higher frequency of preparing meals at home, cooking from scratch, using ready-made sauces and mixes in cooking and higher vegetable consumption compared to the “uninvolved” consumers. The findings show the need for customised approaches to the communication and promotion of healthy eating habits. PMID:26393649

Dietary Behaviours, Impulsivity and Food Involvement: Identification of Three Consumer Segments.

PubMed

Sarmugam, Rani; Worsley, Anthony

2015-09-18

This study aims to (1) identify consumer segments based on consumers' impulsivity and level of food involvement, and (2) examine the dietary behaviours of each consumer segment. An Internet-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 530 respondents. The mean age of the participants was 49.2 ± 16.6 years, and 27% were tertiary educated. Two-stage cluster analysis revealed three distinct segments; "impulsive, involved" (33.4%), "rational, health conscious" (39.2%), and "uninvolved" (27.4%). The "impulsive, involved" segment was characterised by higher levels of impulsivity and food involvement (importance of food) compared to the other two segments. This segment also reported significantly more frequent consumption of fast foods, takeaways, convenience meals, salted snacks and use of ready-made sauces and mixes in cooking compared to the "rational, health conscious" consumers. They also reported higher frequency of preparing meals at home, cooking from scratch, using ready-made sauces and mixes in cooking and higher vegetable consumption compared to the "uninvolved" consumers. The findings show the need for customised approaches to the communication and promotion of healthy eating habits.

Molybdenum accumulation, tolerance and molybdenum-selenium-sulfur interactions in Astragalus selenium hyperaccumulator and nonaccumulator species.

PubMed

DeTar, Rachael Ann; Alford, Élan R; Pilon-Smits, Elizabeth A H

2015-07-01

Some species hyperaccumulate selenium (Se) upwards of 0.1% of dry weight. This study addressed whether Se hyperaccumulators also accumulate and tolerate more molybdenum (Mo). A field survey revealed on average 2-fold higher Mo levels in three hyperaccumulator Astragali compared to three nonaccumulator Astragali, which were not significantly different. Next, a controlled study was performed where hyperaccumulators Astragalus racemosus and Astragalus bisulcatus were compared with nonaccumulators Astragalus drummondii and Astragalus convallarius for Mo accumulation and tolerance, alone or in the presence of Se. When grown on agar media with 0, 12, 24 or 48 mg L(-1) molybdate and/or 0, 1.6 or 3.2 mg L(-1) selenate, all species decreased in biomass with increasing Mo supply. Selenium did not impact biomass at the supplied levels. All Astragali accumulated Mo upwards of 0.1% of dry weight. Selenium levels were up to 0.08% in Astragalus racemosus and 0.04% Se in the other species. Overall, there was no correlation between Se hyperaccumulation and Mo accumulation capacity. However, the hyperaccumulators and nonaccumulators differed in some respects. While none of the species had a higher tissue Mo to sulfur (S) ratio than the growth medium, nonaccumulators had a higher Mo/S ratio than hyperaccumulators. Also, while molybdate and selenate reduced S accumulation in nonaccumulators, it did not in hyperaccumulators. Furthermore, A. racemosus had a higher Se/S ratio than its medium, while the other species did not. Additionally, Mo and Se treatment affected S levels in nonaccumulators, but not in hyperaccumulators. In conclusion, there is no evidence of a link between Se and Mo accumulation and tolerance in Astragalus. Sulfate transporters in hyperaccumulating Astragali appear to have higher sulfate specificity over other oxyanions, compared to nonaccumulators, and A. racemosus may have a transporter with enhanced selenate specificity relative to sulfate or molybdate. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Green Coffee

MedlinePlus

... of coffee beans reduces amounts of the chemical chlorogenic acid. Therefore, green coffee beans have a higher level of chlorogenic acid compared to regular, roasted coffee beans. Chlorogenic acid ...

Physiological Reactivity and Recent Life-Stress Experience.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pardine, Peter; Napoli, Anthony

1983-01-01

Assessed differences in cardiovascular reactivity between high and low life-stress students (N=26). Results indicated high life-stress individuals maintained their elevated stressor levels throughout recovery from a laboratory stressor, and showed significantly higher systolic recovery levels compared to the low stress group. (JAC)

The Effect of Residing Altitude on Levels of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: A Pilot Study From the Omani Arab Population.

PubMed

Al Riyami, Nafila B; Banerjee, Yajnavalka; Al-Waili, Khalid; Rizvi, Syed G; Al-Yahyaee, Said; Hassan, Mohammed O; Albarwani, Sulayma; Al-Rasadi, Khalid; Bayoumi, Riad A

2015-07-01

Lower mortality rates from coronary heart disease and higher levels of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) have been observed in populations residing at high altitude. However, this effect has not been investigated in Arab populations, which exhibit considerable genetic homogeneity. We assessed the relationship between residing altitude and HDL-C in 2 genetically similar Omani Arab populations residing at different altitudes. The association between the levels of HDL-C and other metabolic parameters was also investigated. The levels of HDL-C were significantly higher in the high-altitude group compared with the low-altitude group. Stepwise regression analysis showed that altitude was the most significant factor affecting HDL-C, followed by gender, serum triglycerides, and finally the 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose. This finding is consistent with previously published studies from other populations and should be taken into consideration when comparing cardiovascular risk factors in populations residing at different altitudes. © The Author(s) 2014.

Vitamin D status in children with Hashimoto thyroiditis.

PubMed

Camurdan, Orhun M; Döğer, Esra; Bideci, Aysun; Celik, Nurullah; Cinaz, Peyami

2012-01-01

To investigate vitamin D status in children with Hashimoto thyroiditis. The study group consisted of 78 children recently diagnosed as Hashimoto thyroiditis and 74 subjects as the control group. Parameters of calcium metabolism, thyroid function tests, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured. Vitamin D deficiency rate was significantly higher in the Hashimoto group compared with the control subjects (73.1% vs. 17.6%, p < 0.0001). In the Hashimoto group, mean 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower compared with the control group (31.2 +/- 11.5 versus 57.9 +/- 19.7 nmol/L, p < 0.001) and was inversely correlated with the anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) levels (r = -0.30, p = 0.007). The higher vitamin D deficiency rates besides lower vitamin D levels in the Hashimoto group together with the inverse correlation between vitamin D and anti-TPO suggest that vitamin D deficiency may have a role in the autoimmune process in Hashimoto thyroiditis in children.

GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS SEEMS TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH INFLAMMATION.

PubMed

Aktulay, Ayla; Engin-Ustun, Yaprak; Ozkan, Mehmet Sahin; Erkaya, Salim; Kara, Mustafa; Kaymak, Oktay; Danisman, Nuri

2015-12-01

The aim of this study was to investigate whether gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with inflammation by comparing serum levels of human chitinase-3-like pro- tein 1 (YKL-40), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR). This case control study included 29 pregnant women with GDM and 29 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance matched for age (± 2 years) and pre-pregnancy body mass index (± 2 kg/m²). The YKL-40/CHI3L1 levels were measured, and NLR and PLR investigated. There were no statisti- cally significant differences in maternal age, gestational age, gravidity and parity. Higher YKL-40 levels were recorded in pregnant women with GDM compared to control subjects (203 (65-300) ng/ mL vs. 159.2 (14-290) ng/mL, p = 0.007). NLR and PLR were significantly higher in GDM com- pared with control group. In conclusion, GDM is associated with high levels of YKL-40, NLR and PLR, which indicate inflammatory status.

Comparison of oxidative/antioxidative status of penile corpus cavernosum blood and peripheral venous blood.

PubMed

Yeni, E; Gulum, M; Selek, S; Erel, O; Unal, D; Verit, A; Savas, M

2005-01-01

The aim of the study is to determine and to compare the oxidative and antioxidative status of penile corpus cavernosum and peripheral venous blood. A total of 28 adult healthy males were included in the study. Whole blood was simultaneously withdrawn from penile corpus cavernosum and the cubital vein and their plasma separated. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), vitamin C, total protein, albumin, uric acid, bilirubin and total peroxide (TP) levels of both plasma samples were measured and compared. While TAC, total protein, albumin, bilirubin and uric acid levels were higher, vitamin C levels were lower in cavernosal blood than that of peripheral blood. On the other hand, TP level was found to be higher in penile blood samples than that of peripheral blood. We thought that the normal erectile process of the penile cavernosal body leads to increased production of oxidants as in the mechanism of ischaemia-reperfusion; however, the increase of TAC can prevent development of oxidative injury.

Health-related quality of life and risk factor control: the importance of educational level in prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

PubMed

Ose, Dominik; Rochon, Justine; Campbell, Stephen M; Wensing, Michel; Freund, Tobias; van Lieshout, Jan; Längst, Gerda; Szecsenyi, Joachim; Ludt, Sabine

2014-08-01

This study aimed to describe and to analyse the importance of educational level for controlled risk factors and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This observational study was conducted in nine European countries (5632 patients in 249 practices). We compared patients with a low level of education (up to 9 years) with patients with a high level of education (>9 years), with regard to controlled cardiovascular disease risk factors and HRQoL. A multilevel approach was used for statistical analysis. Patients with a low level of education were older (P < 0.001), more often female (P < 0.001), more often single (P < 0.001) and had a higher number of other conditions (e.g. heart failure) (P < 0.001). Significant differences in terms of controlled risk factors were revealed for blood pressure (RR) ≤ 140/90 mmHg (P = 0.039) and the sum of controlled risk factors (P = 0.027). Higher age, lower education, female gender, living as single, patient group (coronary heart disease patients) and the number of other conditions were negatively associated with HRQoL. A higher sum of controlled risk factors were positively associated with higher HRQoL in the whole sample (r = 0.0086, P < 0.001) as well as in both educational-level groups (r = 0.0075, P = 0.038 in the low-level group and r = 0.0082, P = 0.001 in the high-level group). Patients with a lower educational level were more often females, singles, had a higher number of other conditions, a higher number of uncontrolled risk factors and a lower HRQoL. However, the higher the control of risk factors was, the higher the HRQoL was overall as well as in both educational-level groups. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved.

Median dermatology base incomes in senior academia and practice are comparable, but a significant income gap exists at junior levels.

PubMed

Tierney, Emily; Kimball, Alexa Boer

2006-08-01

The perception that dermatologists in practice have substantially higher incomes than in academics is often cited as the primary reason people choose to practice outside academic institutions. We sought to compare the incomes of dermatologists in academics versus various practice settings. Data from various surveys of dermatologists from 2002 to 2004 were adjusted for annual inflation to the year 2004 and compared. Benefits and bonuses were not included. The income level of clinical instructors, who are 7.0% of all academic dermatology faculty, were not available for inclusion. Median dermatology faculty income (combined average of assistant, associate, and professor levels) was 192,267 dollars, 12.0% less than the median practice income of 215,303 dollars. There was substantial variation across regions, institutions, and types of nonacademic practice. Median starting incomes for dermatology residency graduates were comparable in practice across multiple data sources (182,116 dollars-200,000 dollars) and private universities (189,336 dollars); however, both were significantly higher than median starting incomes in public universities (83,349 dollars). This study relied on self-reported data. Although all attempts were made to use comparable information, variances in how data were collected and classified may exist. Initial income for those entering practice is equivalent to those entering academia in private universities; however, incomes for both of these groups are 2- to 3-fold higher than those entering academia in public universities. This discrepancy may discourage some recent trainees, some of whom have high debt and high expenses, from entering the field of academic dermatology. Because incomes in academia increase predictably with increasing rank, overall self-reported incomes for established dermatologists in practice and senior academia are comparable.

A Population-Based Assessment of the Health of Homeless Families in New York City, 2001–2003

PubMed Central

Bainbridge, Jay; Kennedy, Joseph; Bennani, Yussef; Agerton, Tracy; Marder, Dova; Forgione, Lisa; Faciano, Andrew; Thorpe, Lorna E.

2011-01-01

Objectives. We compared estimated population-based health outcomes for New York City (NYC) homeless families with NYC residents overall and in low-income neighborhoods. Methods. We matched a NYC family shelter user registry to mortality, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and blood lead test registries maintained by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (2001–2003). Results. Overall adult age-adjusted death rates were similar among the 3 populations. HIV/AIDS and substance-use deaths were 3 and 5 times higher for homeless adults than for the general population; only substance-use deaths were higher than for low-income adults. Children who experienced homelessness appeared to be at an elevated risk of mortality (41.3 vs 22.5 per 100 000; P < .05). Seven in 10 adult and child deaths occurred outside shelter. Adult HIV/AIDS diagnosis rates were more than twice citywide rates but comparable with low-income rates, whereas tuberculosis rates were 3 times higher than in both populations. Homeless children had lower blood lead testing rates and a higher proportion of lead levels over 10 micrograms per deciliter than did both comparison populations. Conclusions. Morbidity and mortality levels were comparable between homeless and low-income adults; homeless children's slightly higher risk on some measures possibly reflects the impact of poverty and poor-quality, unstable housing. PMID:21233439

Effectiveness of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in phytoremediation of lead- contaminated soil by vetiver grass.

PubMed

Bahraminia, Mahboobeh; Zarei, Mehdi; Ronaghi, Abdolmajid; Ghasemi-Fasaei, Reza

2016-01-01

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in phytoremediation of lead (Pb)-contaminated soil by vetiver grass. Experiment was a factorial arranged in a completely randomized design. Factors included four Pb levels (50, 200, 400, and 800 mg kg(-1)) as Pb (NO3)2, AM fungi at three levels (non mycorrhizal (NM) control, Rhizophagus intraradices, Glomus versiforme). Shoot and root dry weights (SDW and RDW) decreased as Pb levels increased. Mycorrhizal inoculation increased SDW and RDW compared to NM control. With mycorrhizal inoculation and increasing Pb levels, Pb uptake of shoot and root increased compared to those of NM control. Root colonization increased with mycorrhizal inoculation but decreased as Pb levels increased. Phosphorus concentration and uptake in shoot of plants inoculated with AM fungi was significantly higher than NM control at 200 and 800 mg Pb kg(-1). The Fe concentration, Fe and Mn uptake of shoot in plants inoculated with Rhizophagus intraradices in all levels of Pb were significantly higher than NM control. Mycorrhizal inoculation increased Pb extraction, uptake and translocation efficiencies. Lead translocation factor decreased as Pb levels increased; however inoculation with AM fungi increased Pb translocation.

Cigarette smoking, androgen levels, and hot flushes in midlife women.

PubMed

Cochran, Chrissy J; Gallicchio, Lisa; Miller, Susan R; Zacur, Howard; Flaws, Jodi A

2008-11-01

To test the hypothesis that cigarette smoking is associated with hot flushes through a mechanism involving androgen levels, progesterone levels, sex hormone-binding globulin levels, or the ratio of androgens to estrogens. Women with and without hot flushes were recruited from Baltimore, Maryland, and the surrounding counties. Women were between 45 and 54 years of age, with at least three menstrual periods in the previous 12 months, and were not postmenopausal. Study participants completed a questionnaire and gave a blood sample for hormone measurements. Current smokers had significantly higher androstenedione levels and a higher androgen-to-estrogen ratio than never smokers. Current smokers had significantly lower progesterone levels compared with never smokers. Former and current cigarette smokers had increased odds of experiencing hot flushes compared with never smokers (former: odds ratio [OR] 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99-2.01; current: OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.28-4.62). This association, however, was not attenuated by the addition of hormones to the smoking and hot-flush model. Cigarette smoking is associated with hot flushes through a mechanism that may not involve alterations in hormone levels or their ratios. II.

Alterations of Food-specific Serum IgG4 Titers to Common Food Antigens in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

PubMed Central

Lee, Hong Sub; Lee, Kwang Jae

2017-01-01

Background/Aims The role of dietary factors in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is still unclear. The aim of this study was to compare IgG4 levels to common food antigens between patients with IBS and healthy controls. Methods Thirty-two patients diagnosed as IBS according to the Rome III criteria (12 diarrhea subgroup; 20 non-diarrhea subgroup) and 32 sex and age-matched healthy controls participated in the study. Serum IgG4 titers to 90 common foods were measured in each subject. The number of subjects with positivity defined as the cut-off value ≥ 0.7 U/mL was compared. Results Patients with IBS had significantly higher IgG4 titers to wheat, leek and taro compared to those of controls. Serum IgG4 titers to ginger, cocoa, walnut, white radish, onion, and lettuce in IBS patients tended to be higher than controls. IgG4 titers to wheat, gluten and gliadin in the diarrhea subgroup, and lettuce, leek and taro in the non-diarrhea subgroup tended to be higher compared with controls. The number of subjects with positivity to apple, orange, lettuce, and leek was significantly higher in IBS patients than controls. The number of subjects with positivity to apple, orange, gluten, and gliadin in the diarrhea subgroup, and egg white, pineapple, soybean, lettuce, and leek in the non-diarrhea subgroup was significantly higher compared with controls. Conclusions Serum IgG4 antibody levels to some common foods are abnormally elevated in IBS patients. The type of foods with abnormally elevated serum IgG4 titers in the diarrhea subgroup may be different from that in the non-diarrhea subgroup. PMID:28992678

Mild heat stress enhances differentiation and proliferation of Japanese quail myoblasts and enhances slow muscle fiber characteristics.

PubMed

Choi, Y M; Chen, P R; Shin, S; Zhang, J; Hwang, S; Lee, K

2016-08-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of mild heat stress on muscle fiber hyperplastic and hypertrophic growth in quail primary myogenic cells to better understand the mechanisms leading to increased skeletal muscle development in avian embryos incubated at a higher temperature. Compared to control cultures maintained at 37°C, incubation at 39°C enhanced myotube length (P < 0.01) and diameter (P < 0.001) at 3 days after differentiation (D3). This enlargement of the myotubes incubated at 39°C can be explained by differences in the fusion index (56.7 vs. 46.2%, P < 0.05) and nuclei number per myotube (18.1 vs. 10.8, P < 0.001) compared to the control cells at D3. Additionally, a higher density of myotubes at D3 in cultures exposed to a higher temperature were related to higher levels of Pax-7 (P < 0.05) compared to the control cells incubated continuously at 37°C. These results indicated a higher proliferative capacity in cells exposed to mild heat stress compared to the control cells. On the other hand, mild heat stress enhanced protein levels of slow myosin heavy chain isoform (P < 0.01) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV (P < 0.01) compared to the control cells at D3. These discrepancies in protein expression indicated maintenance of slow muscle fiber type characteristics in myotubes incubated at 39°C. Our results suggest that mild heat stress plays a significant role in myogenic mechanisms related to muscle mass and development. © 2016 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Serum Levels of Inflammatory Markers in Depressed Elderly Patients with Diabetes and Mild Cognitive Impairment

PubMed Central

Gorska-Ciebiada, Malgorzata; Saryusz-Wolska, Malgorzata; Borkowska, Anna; Ciebiada, Maciej; Loba, Jerzy

2015-01-01

Objective The aim of the study was to determine the serum levels of CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α in elderly diabetic patients with depressive syndrome alone or with coexisting mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods 276 diabetics elders were screened for depressive symptoms (using Geriatric Depression Scale: GDS-30) and MCI (using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment: MoCA score). Data of HbA1c, blood lipids and inflammatory markers levels were collected. Results In all groups of patients levels of CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly higher as compared to controls. The highest level of inflammatory markers was detected in group with depressive mood and coexisting MCI, however IL-6 level didn’t significantly differ as compared to MCI group. We founded correlations between all inflammatory markers in group of patients with depressive mood and in group of subjects with depressive symptoms and coexisting MCI. GDS-30 score was correlated with levels of inflammatory markers in group with depressive mood, and with levels of CRP and TNF-α in group with depressive mood and coexisting MCI. In the group with depressive mood and coexisting MCI we founded that MoCA score was negatively correlated with CRP and TNF-α levels; and HbA1c level was positively correlated with all inflammatory markers. The univariate logistic regression models revealed that variables which increased the likelihood of having been diagnosed with MCI in depressed patients were: higher levels of HbA1c, CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α, previous CVD or stroke, increased number of co-morbidities and microvascular complications, older age, less years of formal education. The multivariable model showed that previous CVD, higher HbA1c and IL-6 levels are significant factors. Conclusions We demonstrated that the presence of depressive syndrome is associated with higher levels of inflammatory markers in elderly patients with diabetes. The presence of MCI in these depressed subjects has additive effect on levels of inflammatory mediators. PMID:25793613

Circulating CD36 is reduced in HNF1A-MODY carriers.

PubMed

Bacon, Siobhan; Kyithar, Ma P; Schmid, Jasmin; Costa Pozza, Andre; Handberg, Aase; Byrne, Maria M

2013-01-01

Premature atherosclerosis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) accounts for approximately 2% of all diabetes, with mutations in the transcription factor; hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha (HNF1A) accounting for the majority of MODY cases. There is somewhat limited data available on the prevalence of macrovascular disease in HNF1A-MODY carriers with diabetes. Marked insulin resistance and the associated dyslipidaemia are not clinical features of HNF1A-MODY carriers. The scavenger protein CD36 has been shown to play a substantial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, largely through its interaction with oxidised LDL. Higher levels of monocyte CD36 and plasma CD36(sCD36) are seen to cluster with insulin resistance and diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine levels of sCD36 in participants with HNF1A-MODY diabetes and to compare them with unaffected normoglycaemic family members and participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We recruited 37 participants with HNF1A-MODY diabetes and compared levels of sCD36 with BMI-matched participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and normoglycaemic HNF1A-MODY negative family controls. Levels of sCD36 were correlated with phenotypic and biochemical parameters. HNF1A-MODY participants were lean, normotensive, with higher HDL and lower triglyceride levels when compared to controls and participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus. sCD36 was also significantly lower in HNF1A-MODY participants when compared to both the normoglycaemic family controls and to lean participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In conclusion, sCD36 is significantly lower in lean participants with HNF1A-MODY diabetes when compared to weight-matched normoglycaemic familial HNF1A-MODY negative controls and to lean participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Lower levels of this pro-atherogenic marker may result from the higher HDL component in the lipid profile of HNF1A-MODY participants.

Using Design-Based Latent Growth Curve Modeling with Cluster-Level Predictor to Address Dependency

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wu, Jiun-Yu; Kwok, Oi-Man; Willson, Victor L.

2014-01-01

The authors compared the effects of using the true Multilevel Latent Growth Curve Model (MLGCM) with single-level regular and design-based Latent Growth Curve Models (LGCM) with or without the higher-level predictor on various criterion variables for multilevel longitudinal data. They found that random effect estimates were biased when the…

Investigation of Bias in Job Evaluation Ratings of Comparable Worth Study Participants.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mount, Michael K.; Ellis, Rebecca A.

1987-01-01

Investigated the effects of knowledge of current pay levels and perceived job gender on subsequent job evaluations. Confirmed the hypothesis that jobs with high pay levels would receive higher evaluations than jobs with low pay levels. Found evidence of a pro-female bias in the job evaluation ratings of 53 job evaluators. (Author/ABB)

Rethinking Dabrowski's Theory II: It's Not All Flat Here

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Piechowski, Michael M.

2017-01-01

Unilevel disintegration, the second level in Dabrowski's theory, does not have a structure comparable to the higher levels. It also lacks direction. If so, one is bound to ask what is developmental about it and what, in fact, is developing in level II. Two classsic studies and one of highly gifted adults show three possible kinds of emotional…

Serum levels of copeptin, C-reactive protein and cortisol in different severity groups of sickle cell anaemia.

PubMed

Akinlade, K S; Atere, A D; Rahamon, S K; Olaniyi, J A

2013-12-20

It is well known that individuals with SCA undergo constant physiological stress even, in steady state. However, there is little information on the relationship between the severity of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and serum levels of biomarkers of stress. This study therefore determined the serum levels of copeptin, cortisol and CRP in adults with SCA in different severity groups. Sixty adults with sickle cell anaemia in steady state (27.1±6.3 years) and in vaso-occlusive crisis (24.9±4.9 years) were recruited into this cross-sectional study. Degree of severity (mild, moderate or severe) was determined using a scoring system incorporating annual number of blood transfusions, crisis and presence of anaemia, vaso-occlusive pain and organ complications. Standard methods were used for the determination of packed cell volume (PCV), total white blood cell count (WBC), blood pressure measurements and anthropometric indices. Serum levels of copeptin, cortisol and CRP were determined using ELISA with the ratios calculated accordingly. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using the Student's t-test, Mann Whitney U and Chi-square test as appropriate. P<0.05 was considered significant. The mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and copeptin level were significantly higher in subjects with moderate SCA compared with those with mild SCA. Similarly SBP, pulse, WBC, copeptin and cortisol were significantly higher while body weight was significantly lower in subjects with severe SCA compared with subjects with mild SCA. However, WBC and cortisol-to-copeptin ratio were significantly higher in subjects with severe SCA compared with subjects with moderate SCA. There was progressive rise in serum levels of CRP from mild SCA through severe SCA but the differences were not statistically significant. Also, proportions of subjects with elevated SBP and WBC were higher than the proportion of subjects with lower SBP and WBC in the severe SCA group. Serum levels of cortisol, copeptin, and their ratio could differentiate severe SCA from mild or moderate SCA. Also, elevated systolic blood pressure and total white blood cell count are associated with severe sickle cell anaemia.

Altered Fructosamine and Lipid Fractions in Subclinical Hypothyroidism

PubMed Central

Udupa, Sridevi V.; Manjrekar, Poornima A.; Udupa, Vinit A.; Vivian, D’Souza

2013-01-01

Background: Thyroid function disorders lead to changes in the lipoprotein metabolism. Objectives: To study the lipid and the glycaemic abnormalities in the subclinical hypothyroidism cases and to compare the same with the euthyroid, overt hypothyroid and the hyperthyroid subjects. Methodology: Four groups, euthyroid (Group-I), hypothyroid (Group-II), subclinical hypothyroid (Group-III) and hyperthyroid (Group-IV), which consisted of 30 subjects each, of either sex, who were aged 25-55 years, underwent Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), fructosamine, lipid profile and total T3, T4 and TSH estimations. The subjects who were on lipid lowering or thyroid disorder drugs and known diabetics were excluded from the study. Results: In Group-III, all the lipid fractions were comparable to those of Group-II and they were significantly deranged, as compared to those of Group-I. The fructosamine levels were significantly higher in Group-II and Group-III (p<0.05), but the subclinical hypothyroid pool had statistically lower levels than the hypothyroid pool (376.63±54.73, 587.80±65.10). In the Group-IV patients, the LDL-C levels were significantly higher as compared to those in the euthyroid pool. The fructosamine levels were significantly lower in comparison with both the euthyroid and the hypothyroid pools (both in Groups-II and III). The FPG levels were higher in all the classes of the thyroid abnormalities (subclinical hypothyroidnot significant) but within the reference range of 70-100mg/dl. Conclusion: Since the lipid derangement in subclinical hypothyroidism is on par with that in overt hypothyrodism, the subclinical hypothyroid cases also need to be treated similarly. The fructosamine values which are largely in excess of the FPG values, indicate a higher propensity to glycation and a decreased turnover of the proteins in the hypothyroid and the subclinical hypothyroid pools. Vice versa is true of the hyperthyroid pool. Fructosamine can be included in the thyroid work up of the patients to assess the metabolic function and the subsequent response after the initiation of the therapy. PMID:23449765

Racial influence on the polycystic ovary syndrome phenotype: a black and white case-control study.

PubMed

Ladson, Gwinnett; Dodson, William C; Sweet, Stephanie D; Archibong, Anthony E; Kunselman, Allen R; Demers, Laurence M; Williams, Nancy I; Coney, Ponjola; Legro, Richard S

2011-07-01

To estimate racial disparities in the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) phenotype between white and black women with PCOS. Case-control study. Two academic medical centers. A total of 242 women not taking confounding medications in otherwise good health. Phenotyping during the follicular phase or anovulation after an overnight fast in women. Biometric, serum hormones, glycemic and metabolic parameters, and body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. We studied 77 white and 43 black women with PCOS and 35 white and 87 black controls. Black women with PCOS were similar reproductively to white women with PCOS. Black women with PCOS had lower levels of serum transaminases, higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (mean difference [MD], 18.2 mg/dL; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 14.3, 22.1 mg/dL), lower triglyceride levels (MD, -43.2 mg/dL; 95% CI, -64.5, -21.9), and enhanced insulinogenic index on the oral glucose tolerance test compared with white women with PCOS. Black women with PCOS had higher bone mineral density (MD, 0.1 g/cm(2); 95% CI, 0.1, 0.2 g/cm(2)), lower percent body fat on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (MD, -2.8%; 95% CI, -5.1%, -0.5%), and overall a higher quality of life. Although most of these findings disappeared when the differences with racially matched controls were compared, black women with PCOS compared with black controls had lower estradiol levels than white women with PCOS compared with white controls (MD, -12.9 pg/mL; 95% CI, -24.9, -0.8 pg/mL), higher systolic blood pressure (MD, 9.1 mm Hg; 95% CI, 0.8, 17.4 mm Hg), and lower fasting glucose levels (MD, -12.0 mg/dL; 95% CI, -22.3, -1.7 mg/dL). Racial disparities in PCOS phenotype are minor and mixed. Future studies should explore if race impacts treatment effects. Copyright © 2011 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Perceived Sources of Stress among Junior & Mid-Senior Egyptian Dental Students

PubMed Central

Sedky, Nabila A.

2012-01-01

Objectives The purpose of this study was to identify the sources of stress among dental students enrolled at Pharos University in Alexandria (PUA) - Egypt, and to explore the role of gender, level of undergraduate study and residence with parents on perceived stressors. Materials and Methods A thirty-item self-reported modified version of the Dental Environment Stress (DES) questionnaire was administered to 537 junior and mid-senior undergraduate dental students during the academic fall semester 2010, with a response rate of 79.89%. Results Workload, performance pressure, and self-efficacy beliefs constituted the most stress-provoking factors. Female students experienced greater stress than males for all stressor items except for “Self-Efficacy Beliefs” and “Faculty & Administration” with no statistically significant difference by gender. Mid-senior dental students registered higher levels of perceived stress for “Workload”, “Self-Efficacy Beliefs”, and “Personal Factors” stressors in comparison to their junior peers. Those students who lived away of their parents were at higher risk of perceived stress than those students who lived with their parents. “Uncertainty about future dental career” was the first best predictor variable by gender. Whereas, “Difficulty of classwork” was the first predictor variable by both level of undergraduate study and residence with parents. Conclusion Female dental students had higher mean overall problem scores compared to their male counterparts, mid-senior students showed some higher perceived problems compared to junior students, and students who lived away from their parents revealed higher levels of perceived stress. PMID:23580895

Innate immunity of surfactant proteins A and D in urinary tract infection with uropathogenic Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Hu, Fengqi; Ding, Guohua; Zhang, Zhiyong; Gatto, Louis A.; Hawgood, Samuel; Poulain, Francis R.; Cooney, Robert N.; Wang, Guirong

2015-01-01

To investigate the effects of surfactant proteins A and D (SP-A, SP-D) in urinary tract infection (UTI), SP-A and SP-D double knockout (SP-A/D KO) and wild type (WT) C57BL/6 female mice were infected with uropathogenic Escherichia coli by intravesical inoculation. Compared with WT mice SP-A/D KO mice showed increased susceptibility to UTI as evidenced by higher bacterial CFU, more infiltrating neutrophils and severe pathological changes. Keratinocyte-derived chemokine increased in the kidney of WT mice but not in SP-A/D KO mice 24 h post-infection. Compared to control, level of IL-17 was elevated in the kidney of infected WT and SP-A/D KO mice and the level of IL-17 was higher in the infected SP-A/D KO mice than infected WT mice 24 and 48 h post-infection. Basal level of p38 MAPK phosphorylation in SP-A/D KO mice was higher compared to WT mice. Phosphorylated-p38 level was elevated in the kidney of WT mice post-infection but not in SP-A/D KO mice. Furthermore, in vitro growth of uropathogenic E. coli was inhibited by SP-A and SP-D. We conclude that SP-A and SP-D function as mediators of innate immunity by inhibiting bacterial growth and modulating renal inflammation in part by regulating p38 MAPK-related pathway in murine UTI. PMID:26511057

Oxidants and anti-oxidants status in acne vulgaris patients with varying severity.

PubMed

Al-Shobaili, Hani A

2014-01-01

Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological disorder with a multifactorial pathogenesis. Oxidative status has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several skin diseases, including acne. This study was aimed to investigate the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in acne vulgaris patients with varying severities. The study involved 156 patients with acne and 46 healthy human controls. Based on clinical examination, patients were grouped into 3 subgroups as follows: mild, moderate, and severe acne. Oxidative stress was examined by measuring plasma levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Plasma levels of MDA in acne patients were significantly higher as compared with that of the controls, whereas activities of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT were lower. Moreover, TAC was also low in acne patients as compared with that of the controls. Higher MDA levels in the severe acne subgroup as compared with that of the mild and moderate subgroups were also observed. Furthermore, in the severe acne subgroup, a significant negative correlation was observed between MDA and CAT levels. The data suggests that oxidative stress plays a key role in acne progress and may be employed as a biomarker index to assess the disease's activity and to monitor its treatment.

Nurses' work-related stress in China: a comparison between psychiatric and general hospitals.

PubMed

Qi, Yun-Ke; Xiang, Yu-Tao; An, Feng-Rong; Wang, Jing; Zeng, Jiao-Ying; Ungvari, Gabor S; Newhouse, Robin; Yu, Doris S F; Lai, Kelly Y C; Ding, Yan-Ming; Yu, Liuyang; Zhang, Xiang-Yang; Chiu, Helen F K

2014-01-01

Little is known about the level of work-related stress in nurses in China.This study compared the level of work-related stress between female nurses working in psychiatric and general hospitals in China. A descriptive comparative cross-sectional design was used.A consecutive sample of nurses from two psychiatric hospitals (N = 297) and a medical unit (N = 408) of a general hospital completed a written survey including socio-demographic data and a measure of work-related stress (Nurse Stress Inventory). Compared to the nurses working in the general hospital, those working in the psychiatric setting had a higher level of stress in the domains of working environment and resources (p < .001) and patient care (p < .001), but lower workload and time (p < .001).Multivariate analyses revealed that college or higher level of education(b = .1, p < .001), exposure to violence in the past 6 months (b = .2, p < .001),longer working experience, and working in psychiatric hospitals were associated with high work-related stress (b = .2, p < .001). Considering the harmful effects of work-related stress, specific stress management workshops and effective staff supportive initiatives for Chinese nurses are warranted.

Different doses of partial liver irradiation promotes hepatic regeneration in rat

PubMed Central

Liu, Ying; Shi, Changzheng; Cui, Meng; Yang, Zhenhua; Gan, Danhui; Wang, Yiming

2015-01-01

The aim of this study is to investigate whether partial liver irradiation promotes hepatic regeneration in rat. Left-half liver of rat was irradiated to 10 Gy, and the Right-half to 0, 5, 10 and 15 Gy, respectively. Then, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were evaluated on 0 day, 15-day, 30-day, 45-day and 60-day after liver irradiation. Next, the serum HGF, NF-κB and TGF-β1 levels were also analyzed on 60-day after liver irradiation. Lastly, the cyclinD1 protein expression was appraised by western blots on 60-day after liver irradiation. ALT, AST and ALP levels were reduced compared with that of controls. The serum HGF, NF-κB and TGF-β1 levels, and the cyclinD1 protein expression in liver irradiation group were increased compared with that of controls group. However, hepatic regeneration of higher dose-irradiated cirrhotic liver was triggered a more enhanced regeneration, compared with that of higher doses group. In summary, these results suggest that different doses of partial liver irradiation promotes hepatic regeneration in rat. PMID:26261535

Low C-Reactive Protein Levels in a Traditional West-African Population Living in a Malaria Endemic Area

PubMed Central

Eriksson, Ulrika K.; van Bodegom, David; May, Linda; Boef, Anna G. C.; Westendorp, Rudi G. J.

2013-01-01

Background C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are reported to be elevated in populations of African descent living in affluent environments compared to populations of European ancestry. However, the natural history of CRP levels in populations of African descent living under adverse environments remains largely unknown. Methods CRP levels were measured with a high sensitivity assay in 624 apparently healthy individuals who contributed blood as part of a study on innate immune responsiveness in a traditional Ghanaian population living under adverse environmental conditions in a malaria endemic area. As a comparison, we included CRP measurements from 2931 apparently healthy individuals from the Dutch population that were included in the same batch of CRP analyses. Associations between CRP and body mass index (BMI), immune responsiveness, and P. falciparum parasitaemia were investigated. Results In an age- and sex-adjusted model, CRP levels were 0.54 mg/L lower in the Ghanaian compared to the Dutch cohort (1.52 vs. 0.98 mg/L, p<0.001). When accounting for the substantially higher average BMI in the Dutch compared to the Ghanaians (25.6 vs. 18.4 kg/m2) the difference in CRP levels disappeared. BMI associated positively with CRP in the Dutch but not in the Ghanaians. In individuals with an acute phase response, CRP levels were higher in the Ghanaian compared to the Dutch cohort (24.6 vs. 17.3 mg/L, p = 0.04). Levels of CRP were positively related to immune responsiveness and P. falciparum parasitaemia (all p<0.001) among Ghanaians. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that West-Africans do not exhibit an inherently high inflammatory state. The role of genes, environment and gene-environment interaction in explaining reports of elevated CRP levels in populations of African ancestry when compared to other ethnicities living in affluent environments thus merits further investigation. PMID:23922912

Effects of high-intensity interval versus mild-intensity endurance training on metabolic phenotype and corticosterone response in rats fed a high-fat or control diet

PubMed Central

Shen, Youqing; Huang, Guoyuan; McCormick, Bryan P.; Song, Tao

2017-01-01

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HI) to mild-intensity endurance training (ME), combined with a high-fat diet (HFD) or control diet (CD) on metabolic phenotype and corticosterone levels in rats. Fifty-three rats were randomized to 6 groups according to diet and training regimen as follows: CD and sedentary (CS, n = 11), CD and ME (CME, n = 8), CD and HI (CHI, n = 8), HFD and sedentary (HS, n = 10), HFD and ME (HME, n = 8), and HFD and HI (HHI, n = 8). All exercise groups were trained for 10 weeks and had matched running distances. Dietary intake, body composition, blood metabolites, and corticosterone levels were measured. Histological lipid droplets were observed in the livers. The HFD led to hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and higher body fat (all, P < 0.01, η2 > 0.06), as well as higher corticosterone levels (P < 0.01, η2 = 0.09) compared with the CD groups. Exercise training improved fat weight, glucose, and lipid profiles, and reduced corticosterone levels (P < 0.01, η2 = 0.123). Furthermore, body and fat weight, serum glucose and triglycerides, lipid content in the liver, and corticosterone levels (P < 0.05) were lower with HI training compared to ME training. Reductions in HFD-induced body weight gain, blood glucose and lipid profiles, and corticosterone levels, as well as improvements in QUICKI were better with HHI compared to HME. Correlation analyses revealed that corticosterone levels were significantly associated with phenotype variables (P < 0.01). Corticosterone level was inversely correlated with QUICKI (r = −0.38, P < 0.01). Altogether, these results indicate that HFD may elicit an exacerbated basal serum corticosterone level and thus producing a metabolic imbalance. Compared with ME training, HI training contributes to greater improvements in metabolic and corticosterone responses, leading to a greater reduction in susceptibility to HFD-induced disorders. PMID:28727846

Effects of high-intensity interval versus mild-intensity endurance training on metabolic phenotype and corticosterone response in rats fed a high-fat or control diet.

PubMed

Shen, Youqing; Huang, Guoyuan; McCormick, Bryan P; Song, Tao; Xu, Xiangfeng

2017-01-01

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HI) to mild-intensity endurance training (ME), combined with a high-fat diet (HFD) or control diet (CD) on metabolic phenotype and corticosterone levels in rats. Fifty-three rats were randomized to 6 groups according to diet and training regimen as follows: CD and sedentary (CS, n = 11), CD and ME (CME, n = 8), CD and HI (CHI, n = 8), HFD and sedentary (HS, n = 10), HFD and ME (HME, n = 8), and HFD and HI (HHI, n = 8). All exercise groups were trained for 10 weeks and had matched running distances. Dietary intake, body composition, blood metabolites, and corticosterone levels were measured. Histological lipid droplets were observed in the livers. The HFD led to hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and higher body fat (all, P < 0.01, η2 > 0.06), as well as higher corticosterone levels (P < 0.01, η2 = 0.09) compared with the CD groups. Exercise training improved fat weight, glucose, and lipid profiles, and reduced corticosterone levels (P < 0.01, η2 = 0.123). Furthermore, body and fat weight, serum glucose and triglycerides, lipid content in the liver, and corticosterone levels (P < 0.05) were lower with HI training compared to ME training. Reductions in HFD-induced body weight gain, blood glucose and lipid profiles, and corticosterone levels, as well as improvements in QUICKI were better with HHI compared to HME. Correlation analyses revealed that corticosterone levels were significantly associated with phenotype variables (P < 0.01). Corticosterone level was inversely correlated with QUICKI (r = -0.38, P < 0.01). Altogether, these results indicate that HFD may elicit an exacerbated basal serum corticosterone level and thus producing a metabolic imbalance. Compared with ME training, HI training contributes to greater improvements in metabolic and corticosterone responses, leading to a greater reduction in susceptibility to HFD-induced disorders.

Low C-reactive protein levels in a traditional West-African population living in a malaria endemic area.

PubMed

Eriksson, Ulrika K; van Bodegom, David; May, Linda; Boef, Anna G C; Westendorp, Rudi G J

2013-01-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are reported to be elevated in populations of African descent living in affluent environments compared to populations of European ancestry. However, the natural history of CRP levels in populations of African descent living under adverse environments remains largely unknown. CRP levels were measured with a high sensitivity assay in 624 apparently healthy individuals who contributed blood as part of a study on innate immune responsiveness in a traditional Ghanaian population living under adverse environmental conditions in a malaria endemic area. As a comparison, we included CRP measurements from 2931 apparently healthy individuals from the Dutch population that were included in the same batch of CRP analyses. Associations between CRP and body mass index (BMI), immune responsiveness, and P. falciparum parasitaemia were investigated. In an age- and sex-adjusted model, CRP levels were 0.54 mg/L lower in the Ghanaian compared to the Dutch cohort (1.52 vs. 0.98 mg/L, p<0.001). When accounting for the substantially higher average BMI in the Dutch compared to the Ghanaians (25.6 vs. 18.4 kg/m(2)) the difference in CRP levels disappeared. BMI associated positively with CRP in the Dutch but not in the Ghanaians. In individuals with an acute phase response, CRP levels were higher in the Ghanaian compared to the Dutch cohort (24.6 vs. 17.3 mg/L, p = 0.04). Levels of CRP were positively related to immune responsiveness and P. falciparum parasitaemia (all p<0.001) among Ghanaians. Our study demonstrates that West-Africans do not exhibit an inherently high inflammatory state. The role of genes, environment and gene-environment interaction in explaining reports of elevated CRP levels in populations of African ancestry when compared to other ethnicities living in affluent environments thus merits further investigation.

Soy and fish as features of the Japanese diet and cardiovascular disease risks

PubMed Central

Yamori, Yukio; Sagara, Miki; Arai, Yoshimi; Kobayashi, Hitomi; Kishimoto, Kazumi; Matsuno, Ikuko; Mori, Hideki; Mori, Mari

2017-01-01

In the World Health Organization (WHO)-coordinated Cardiovascular Disease and Alimentary Comparison Study, isoflavones (I; biomarker for dietary soy) and taurine (T; biomarker for dietary fish) in 24-hour—urine (24U) were inversely related to coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality. High levels of these biomarkers are found in Japanese people, whose CHD mortality is lowest among developed countries. We analyzed the association of these biomarkers with cardiovascular disease risk in the Japanese to know their health effects within one ethnic population. First, to compare the Japanese intake of I and T with international intakes, the ratios of 24UI and 24UT to creatinine from the WHO Study were divided into quintiles for analysis. The ratio for the Japanese was the highest in the highest quintiles for both I and T, reaching 88.1%, far higher than the average ratio for the Japanese (26.3%) in the total study population. Second, 553 inhabitants of Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, aged 30 to 79 years underwent 24-U collection and blood analyses. The 24UT and 24UI were divided into tertiles and adjusted for age and sex. The highest T tertile, compared with the lowest tertile, showed significantly higher levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol, 24U sodium (Na) and potassium (K). The highest I tertile showed significantly higher folate, 24UNa and 24UK compared with the lowest tertile. The highest tertile of both T and I showed significantly higher HDL-C, folate, and 24UNa and 24UK compared with the lowest tertile. Thus, greater consumption of fish and soy were significantly associated with higher HDL-C and folate levels, possibly a contributor to Japan having the lowest CHD mortality and longest life expectancy among developed countries. As these intakes were also associated with a high intake of salt, a low-salt intake of fish and soy should be recommended for healthy life expectancy. PMID:28430815

B cell-activating factor is associated with the histological severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

PubMed

Miyake, Teruki; Abe, Masanori; Tokumoto, Yoshio; Hirooka, Masashi; Furukawa, Shinya; Kumagi, Teru; Hamada, Maho; Kawasaki, Keitarou; Tada, Fujimasa; Ueda, Teruhisa; Hiasa, Yoichi; Matsuura, Bunzo; Onji, Morikazu

2013-06-01

B cell-activating factor (BAFF) is expressed in adipocytes and affects lipogenesis and insulin sensitivity. In addition, the BAFF receptor is expressed in visceral adipose tissue and liver. The aim of this study was to analyze serum BAFF levels in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and simple steatosis (SS) and to compare their respective clinical and histological findings. A total of 96 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (20 with SS and 76 with NASH) were enrolled and their serum BAFF levels were analyzed. Comprehensive blood chemistry analysis and histological examination of liver samples were also conducted. Serum BAFF levels were higher in patients with NASH than in those with SS (p = 0.016). NASH patients with ballooning hepatocytes and advanced fibrosis had higher levels of BAFF in sera (p = 0.016 and p = 0.006, respectively). In addition, the prevalence of NASH increased significantly as the serum BAFF level increased (p = 0.004). Higher serum BAFF levels were found to be an independent risk factor for development of NASH (OR 1.003, 95% CI 1.0003-1.006; p = 0.047). Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients had higher levels of serum BAFF than patients with SS, and higher levels were associated with the presence of hepatocyte ballooning and advanced fibrosis. The serum BAFF level may be a useful tool for distinguishing NASH from SS.

Mercury bioaccumulation in Southern Appalachian birds, assessed through feather concentrations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Keller, Rebecca Hylton; Xie, Lingtian; Buchwalter, David B.; Franzreb, Kathleen E.; Simons, Theodore R.

2014-01-01

Mercury contamination in wildlife has rarely been studied in the Southern Appalachians despite high deposition rates in the region. From 2006 to 2008 we sampled feathers from 458 birds representing 32 species in the Southern Appalachians for total mercury and stable isotope δ 15N. Mercury concentrations (mean ± SE) averaged 0.46 ± 0.02 μg g−1 (range 0.01–3.74 μg g−1). Twelve of 32 species had individuals (7 % of all birds sampled) with mercury concentrations higher than 1 μg g−1. Mercury concentrations were 17 % higher in juveniles compared to adults (n = 454). In adults, invertivores has higher mercury levels compared to omnivores. Mercury was highest at low-elevation sites near water, however mercury was detected in all birds, including those in the high elevations (1,000–2,000 m). Relative trophic position, calculated from δ 15N, ranged from 2.13 to 4.87 across all birds. We fitted linear mixed-effects models to the data separately for juveniles and year-round resident adults. In adults, mercury concentrations were 2.4 times higher in invertivores compared to omnivores. Trophic position was the main effect explaining mercury levels in juveniles, with an estimated 0.18 ± 0.08 μg g−1 increase in feather mercury for each one unit rise in trophic position. Our research demonstrates that mercury is biomagnifying in birds within this terrestrial mountainous system, and further research is warranted for animals foraging at higher trophic levels, particularly those associated with aquatic environments downslope from montane areas receiving high mercury deposition.

Alpha-ketoglutarate reduces ethanol toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster by enhancing alcohol dehydrogenase activity and antioxidant capacity.

PubMed

Bayliak, Maria M; Shmihel, Halyna V; Lylyk, Maria P; Storey, Kenneth B; Lushchak, Volodymyr I

2016-09-01

Ethanol at low concentrations (<4%) can serve as a food source for fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, whereas at higher concentrations it may be toxic. In this work, protective effects of dietary alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) against ethanol toxicity were studied. Food supplementation with 10-mM AKG alleviated toxic effects of 8% ethanol added to food, and improved fly development. Two-day-old adult flies, reared on diet containing both AKG and ethanol, possessed higher alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity as compared with those reared on control diet or diet with ethanol only. Native gel electrophoresis data suggested that this combination diet might promote post-translational modifications of ADH protein with the formation of a highly active ADH form. The ethanol-containing diet led to significantly higher levels of triacylglycerides stored in adult flies, and this parameter was not altered by AKG supplement. The influence of diet on antioxidant defenses was also assessed. In ethanol-fed flies, catalase activity was higher in males and the levels of low molecular mass thiols were unchanged in both sexes compared to control values. Feeding on a mixture of AKG and ethanol did not affect catalase activity but caused a higher level of low molecular mass thiols compared to ethanol-fed flies. It can be concluded that both a stimulation of some components of antioxidant defense and the increase in ADH activity may be responsible for the protective effects of AKG diet supplementation in combination with ethanol. The results suggest that AKG might be useful as a treatment option to neutralize toxic effects of excessive ethanol intake and to improve the physiological state of D. melanogaster and other animals, potentially including humans. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Enhanced Thermionic Emission and Low 1/f Noise in Exfoliated Graphene/GaN Schottky Barrier Diode.

PubMed

Kumar, Ashutosh; Kashid, Ranjit; Ghosh, Arindam; Kumar, Vikram; Singh, Rajendra

2016-03-01

Temperature-dependent electrical transport characteristics of exfoliated graphene/GaN Schottky diodes are investigated and compared with conventional Ni/GaN Schottky diodes. The ideality factor of graphene/GaN and Ni/GaN diodes are measured to be 1.33 and 1.51, respectively, which is suggestive of comparatively higher thermionic emission current in graphene/GaN diode. The barrier height values for graphene/GaN diode obtained using thermionic emission model and Richardson plots are found to be 0.60 and 0.72 eV, respectively, which are higher than predicted barrier height ∼0.40 eV as per the Schottky-Mott model. The higher barrier height is attributed to hole doping of graphene due to graphene-Au interaction which shifts the Fermi level in graphene by ∼0.3 eV. The magnitude of flicker noise of graphene/GaN Schottky diode increases up to 175 K followed by its decrease at higher temperatures. This indicates that diffusion currents and barrier inhomogeneities dominate the electronic transport at lower and higher temperatures, respectively. The exfoliated graphene/GaN diode is found to have lower level of barrier inhomogeneities than conventional Ni/GaN diode, as well as earlier reported graphene/GaN diode fabricated using chemical vapor deposited graphene. The lesser barrier inhomogeneities in graphene/GaN diode results in lower flicker noise by 2 orders of magnitude as compared to Ni/GaN diode. Enhanced thermionic emission current, lower level of inhomogeneities, and reduced flicker noise suggests that graphene-GaN Schottky diodes may have the underlying trend for replacing metal-GaN Schottky diodes.

Prevalence and correlates of hypertension in Maharashtra, India: A multilevel analysis

PubMed Central

Bhise, Mahadev D.

2018-01-01

Background and aim In the last few decades, the prevalence of hypertension has been drastically increased in India. The present study estimates the current prevalence of hypertension and its correlates in the state of Maharashtra. The variation in the prevalence of hypertension associated with individual-level characteristics is explained at the community and district level. Methods Data is used from the recent round of District Level Household & Facility Survey (DLHS-4), 2012–13. The DLHS-4 has used the nationally representative sample, collected through multistage stratified sampling procedure. A similar sampling frame, used in NSSO-2007-08, has been followed. The chi-square test is used to show the significance level of the association between the estimated prevalence of hypertension and its correlates. Multilevel regression analysis is carried out to investigate the effects of individual and community level factors on the prevalence of hypertension. Results The overall prevalence of hypertension is 25% in Maharashtra, and a huge variation in the prevalence of hypertension is found across the districts. Dhule, Gadchiroli (with a low HDI rank), Mumbai and Satara (with higher HDI rank) are the districts with the higher (above 30%) prevalence of high blood pressure. The prevalence also significantly varies according to different correlates. The prevalence of high blood pressure is higher among elderly population (40%), among males (28%), in the urban areas (27%) and in the richest wealth quintile (28%). The prevalence is also higher among cigarette smokers (31%), alcohol consumers (30%) and people with obesity (38%) as compared to their counterparts. The results of the multilevel analysis show that the older and obese persons are at four-time higher risk of hypertension. Again, age, sex, marital status, place of residence, wealth status, unhealthy habits (i.e. smoking and alcohol consumption) and BMI are significantly associated with hypertension. The results of VPC statistics show that 14% of hypertension prevalence could be attributed to differences at the community level. Conclusion The prevalence of hypertension largely varies in the districts of Maharashtra irrespective of their level of socio-economic development (i.e. HDI rank). The variation in the rate of prevalence of hypertension is higher in the community (PSU) level as compared to the variation in the prevalence rate at the district level. Hypertension is attributable to the modifiable factors like risky lifestyle practices. PMID:29401464

Prevalence and correlates of hypertension in Maharashtra, India: A multilevel analysis.

PubMed

Bhise, Mahadev D; Patra, Shraboni

2018-01-01

In the last few decades, the prevalence of hypertension has been drastically increased in India. The present study estimates the current prevalence of hypertension and its correlates in the state of Maharashtra. The variation in the prevalence of hypertension associated with individual-level characteristics is explained at the community and district level. Data is used from the recent round of District Level Household & Facility Survey (DLHS-4), 2012-13. The DLHS-4 has used the nationally representative sample, collected through multistage stratified sampling procedure. A similar sampling frame, used in NSSO-2007-08, has been followed. The chi-square test is used to show the significance level of the association between the estimated prevalence of hypertension and its correlates. Multilevel regression analysis is carried out to investigate the effects of individual and community level factors on the prevalence of hypertension. The overall prevalence of hypertension is 25% in Maharashtra, and a huge variation in the prevalence of hypertension is found across the districts. Dhule, Gadchiroli (with a low HDI rank), Mumbai and Satara (with higher HDI rank) are the districts with the higher (above 30%) prevalence of high blood pressure. The prevalence also significantly varies according to different correlates. The prevalence of high blood pressure is higher among elderly population (40%), among males (28%), in the urban areas (27%) and in the richest wealth quintile (28%). The prevalence is also higher among cigarette smokers (31%), alcohol consumers (30%) and people with obesity (38%) as compared to their counterparts. The results of the multilevel analysis show that the older and obese persons are at four-time higher risk of hypertension. Again, age, sex, marital status, place of residence, wealth status, unhealthy habits (i.e. smoking and alcohol consumption) and BMI are significantly associated with hypertension. The results of VPC statistics show that 14% of hypertension prevalence could be attributed to differences at the community level. The prevalence of hypertension largely varies in the districts of Maharashtra irrespective of their level of socio-economic development (i.e. HDI rank). The variation in the rate of prevalence of hypertension is higher in the community (PSU) level as compared to the variation in the prevalence rate at the district level. Hypertension is attributable to the modifiable factors like risky lifestyle practices.

Baseline blood levels of manganese, lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc in residents of Beijing suburb

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Long-Lian, E-mail: Longlian57@163.com; Lu, Ling; Pan, Ya-Juan

Baseline blood concentrations of metals are important references for monitoring metal exposure in environmental and occupational settings. The purpose of this study was to determine the blood levels of manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) among the residents (aged 12–60 years old) living in the suburb southwest of Beijing in China and to compare the outcomes with reported values in various developed countries. Blood samples were collected from 648 subjects from March 2009 to February 2010. Metal concentrations in the whole blood were determined by ICP-MS. The geometric means of blood levels of Mn, Cu,more » Zn, Pb and Cd were 11.4, 802.4, 4665, 42.6, and 0.68 µg/L, respectively. Male subjects had higher blood Pb than the females, while the females had higher blood Mn and Cu than the males. There was no gender difference for blood Cd and Zn. Smokers had higher blood Cu, Zn, and Cd than nonsmokers. There were significant age-related differences in blood levels of all metals studied; subjects in the 17–30 age group had higher blood levels of Mn, Pb, Cu, and Zn, while those in the 46–60 age group had higher Cd than the other age groups. A remarkably lower blood level of Cu and Zn in this population as compared with residents of other developed countries was noticed. Based on the current study, the normal reference ranges for the blood Mn were estimated to be 5.80–25.2 μg/L; for blood Cu, 541–1475 μg/L; for blood Zn, 2349–9492 μg/L; for blood Pb, <100 μg/L; and for blood Cd, <5.30 μg/L in the general population living in Beijing suburbs. - Highlights: • Baseline blood levels of metals in residents of Beijing suburb are investigated. • BMn and BPb in this cohort are higher than those in other developed countries. • Remarkably lower blood levels of Cu and Zn in this Chinese cohort are noticed. • The reference values for blood levels of Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd are established.« less

The cellular immunity and oxidative stress markers in early pregnancy loss.

PubMed

Daglar, Korkut; Biberoglu, Ebru; Kirbas, Ayse; Dirican, Aylin Onder; Genc, Metin; Avci, Aslihan; Biberoglu, Kutay

2016-01-01

We investigated whether changes in cellular immunity and oxidative stress in pregnancy have any association with spontaneous miscarriage. Circulating adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity as a marker of cellular immunity and malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as markers of T lymphocyte activation and parameters of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense were compared between 40 women with early pregnancy loss and another 40 women with ungoing healthy pregnancy. Women with miscarriage had higher serum ADA and GPx levels when compared with women with normal pregnancy (p = 0.034 and p < 0.001, respectively). Although serum MDA level was slightly higher in women with miscarriage, the difference was not significant (p = 0.083). CAT levels were alike in both groups. We have demonstrated an increased cellular immunity and perhaps a compensated oxidative stress related to increased antioxidant activation in women with early spontaneous pregnancy loss.

S100A8/A9 in psoriatic plaques from patients with psoriatic arthritis.

PubMed

Chimenti, Maria Sole; Triggianese, Paola; Botti, Elisabetta; Narcisi, Alessandra; Conigliaro, Paola; Giunta, Alessandro; Teoli, Miriam; Perricone, Roberto; Costanzo, Antonio

2016-09-01

To evaluate levels of the calcium-binding proteins S100A8 and S100A9 in the skin of patients with psoriatic arthritis. Skin punch biopsies were obtained from patients with psoriatic arthritis and healthy control subjects. S100A8/A9 were semiquantified via immunohistochemistry and semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction. The study included biopsies from nine patients with psoriatic arthritis and nine control subjects. S100A8 and S100A9 were present at visibly higher levels in psoriatic plaques compared with normal skin samples. S100A8 and S100A9 RNA levels were significantly higher in the peripheral region of plaques compared with the central region. Both S100A8 and S100A9 may represent good therapeutic targets in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. © The Author(s) 2016.

Comparing work productivity in obesity and binge eating.

PubMed

Striegel, Ruth H; Bedrosian, Richard; Wang, Chun

2012-12-01

To examine productivity impairment in individuals with obesity and/or binge eating. Based on current weight and eating behavior, 117,272 employees who had completed a health risk appraisal and psychosocial functioning questionnaire were classified into one of four groups. Gender-stratified analyses compared groups on four measures: absenteeism, presenteeism, total work productivity impairment, and (non-work) activity impairment. Overall group differences were statistically significant for all measures with lowest impairment in non-obese men and women without binge eating (n = 34,090, n = 39,198), higher levels in individuals without binge eating (n = 15,570, n = 16,625), yet higher levels in non-obese men and women with binge eating (n = 1,381, n = 2,674), and highest levels in obese men and women with binge eating (Group 4, n = 2,739, n = 4,176). Health initiatives for obese employees should include screening and interventions for employees with binge eating. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Salivary steroid response and competitive anxiety in elite basketball players: Effect of opponent level.

PubMed

Arruda, Ademir F S; Aoki, Marcelo S; Paludo, Ana Carolina; Moreira, Alexandre

2017-08-01

This study examined the effect of playing matches against different opponent teams (hard match; HM, medium match; MM, and easy match; EM) on pre-match testosterone concentration (T), pre-to-post match cortisol (C) concentration, and pre-competitive anxiety (CSAI-2 questionnaire) in 20 elite male basketball players. One training session (TS) was also assessed (control condition). Saliva steroids were determined by ELISA. The pre-T concentration was significantly lower for the TS (163±54pmolL -1 ), compared to the three official matches (EM: 208±82pmolL -1 , MM: 213±57pmolL -1 , and HM: 218±37pmolL -1 ) (p<0.05). A significant change in C from pre-to-post was observed for all conditions (TS [5.8±3.7 vs 14.4±9.4ƞmolL -1 ], EM [10.1±4.9 vs 17.3±10.2ƞmolL -1 ], MM [13.0±7.4 vs 21.5±8.3ƞmolL -1 ], and HM [18.9±5.8 vs 31.4±5.3ƞmolL -1 ] (p<0.05). A higher PRE-C was observed for the HM, compared to TS and EM (p<0.05) and a higher POST-C concentration for the HM was detected, compared to the TS, EM, and MM (p<0.05). A lower anxiety level was observed for the EM (somatic: 15.0±3.7; cognitive: 15.8±4.5 arbitrary units [AU]) compared, to the MM (somatic: 16.4±3.5; cognitive: 17.7±4.0AU) and HM (somatic: 15.8±3.9; cognitive: 18.3±3.9AU) (p<0.05) and a higher self-confidence was observed for the TS (28.9±5.1AU), compared to the HM (26.7±3.0AU) (p<0.05). These results suggest that playing against a high-level opponent may cause a higher psychobiological stress, likely because opponent level may be perceived as threating to the social status in a given hierarchy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Temporal Cytokine Profiles in Severely Burned Patients: A Comparison of Adults and Children

PubMed Central

Finnerty, Celeste C; Jeschke, Marc G; Herndon, David N; Gamelli, Richard; Gibran, Nicole; Klein, Matthew; Silver, Geoff; Arnoldo, Brett; Remick, Daniel; Tompkins, Ronald G

2008-01-01

A severe burn leads to hypermetabolism and catabolism resulting in compromised function and structural changes of essential organs. The release of cytokines has been implicated in this hypermetabolic response. The severity of the hypermetabolic response following burn injury increases with age, as does the mortality rate. Due to the relationship between the hypermetabolic and inflammatory responses, we sought to compare the plasma cytokine profiles following a severe burn in adults and in children. We enrolled 25 adults and 24 children who survived a flame burn covering more than 20% of total body surface area (TBSA). The concentrations of 22 cytokines were measured using the Linco multiplex array system (St. Charles, MO, USA). Large perturbations in the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were seen following thermal injury. During the first week following burn injury, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-17, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 were detected at significantly higher levels in adults compared with children, P < 0.05. Significant differences were measured during the second week post-burn for IL-1β (higher in children) and IL-5 (higher in adults), P < 0.05. IL-18 was more abundant in children compared with adults during the third week post-burn, P < 0.05. Between post-burn d 21 and d 66, IL-1α was detected at higher concentrations in pediatric compared with adult patients, P < 0.05. Only GM-CSF expression was significantly different at all time points; it was detected at lower levels in pediatric patients, P < 0.05. Eotaxin, G-CSF, IL-13, IL-15, IP-10, MCP-1, and MIP-1α were detected at significantly different concentrations in adult compared with pediatric patients at multiple time points, P < 0.05. There were no differences in IL-12, IL-2, IL-7, or TNF levels in adult compared with pediatric burn patients at any of these time points. Following severe flame burns, the cytokine profiles in pediatric patients differ compared with those in adult patients, which may provide insight with respect to the higher morbidity rate in adults. Furthermore, the dramatic discrepancies observed in plasma cytokine detection between children and adults suggest that these two patient populations may benefit from different therapeutic interventions to achieve attenuation of the post-burn inflammatory response. PMID:18548133

Health Behaviors and Quality of Life Among Colorectal Cancer Survivors

PubMed Central

Rohan, Elizabeth A.; Townsend, Julie S.; Fairley, Temeika L.; Stewart, Sherri L.

2015-01-01

Purpose To examine, at the population level, health behaviors, comorbidities, and health-related quality of life among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors compared with other cancer survivors and persons without cancer. Methods We used data from the 2009 and 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System cancer survivor modules. We calculated descriptive statistics, conducted chi-square tests for comparisons, and used multivariable logistic regression analysis to compare CRC survivors with other cancer survivors and persons without cancer. Results Of the 52,788 cancer survivors included in this analysis, 4001 reported being CRC survivors. When compared with other cancer survivors, CRC survivors reported higher percentages of obesity and lack of physical activity; however, they had lower levels of current smoking. Adjusted results show that CRC survivors were significantly more likely to report lack of physical activity, fair/poor health, and other chronic health conditions compared with persons without a cancer diagnosis. Conversely, CRC survivors reported lower levels of current smoking than persons without cancer. Conclusions CRC survivors have a higher proportion of heath conditions and behaviors that may significantly increase their risks for recurrence or development of a second cancer. Targeted interventions to address these health issues should be considered. PMID:25736006

Health behaviors and quality of life among colorectal cancer survivors.

PubMed

Rohan, Elizabeth A; Townsend, Julie S; Fairley, Temeika L; Stewart, Sherri L

2015-03-01

To examine, at the population level, health behaviors, comorbidities, and health-related quality of life among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors compared with other cancer survivors and persons without cancer. We used data from the 2009 and 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System cancer survivor modules. We calculated descriptive statistics, conducted chi-square tests for comparisons, and used multivariable logistic regression analysis to compare CRC survivors with other cancer survivors and persons without cancer. Of the 52,788 cancer survivors included in this analysis, 4001 reported being CRC survivors. When compared with other cancer survivors, CRC survivors reported higher percentages of obesity and lack of physical activity; however, they had lower levels of current smoking. Adjusted results show that CRC survivors were significantly more likely to report lack of physical activity, fair/poor health, and other chronic health conditions compared with persons without a cancer diagnosis. Conversely, CRC survivors reported lower levels of current smoking than persons without cancer. CRC survivors have a higher proportion of heath conditions and behaviors that may significantly increase their risks for recurrence or development of a second cancer. Targeted interventions to address these health issues should be considered. Copyright © 2015 by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Impact of type 2 diabetes on the plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and its soluble receptors type 1 and type 2 in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

PubMed

Wieczór, Radosław; Gadomska, Grażyna; Ruszkowska-Ciastek, Barbara; Stankowska, Katarzyna; Budzyński, Jacek; Fabisiak, Jacek; Suppan, Karol; Pulkowski, Grzegorz; Rość, Danuta

2015-11-01

Type 2 diabetes coexistent with lower extremity artery disease (peripheral arterial disease (PAD)) can be observed in numerous patients. The mechanism compensating for ischemia and contributing to healing is angiogenesis-the process of forming new blood vessels. The purpose of this study was to assess the likely impact of type 2 diabetes on the plasma levels of proangiogenic factor (vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A)) and angiogenesis inhibitors (soluble VEGF receptors type 1 and type 2 (sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2)) in patients with PAD. Among 46 patients with PAD under pharmacological therapy (non-invasive), we identified, based on medical history, a subgroup with coexistent type 2 diabetes (PAD-DM2+, n=15) and without diabetes (PAD-DM2-, n=31). The control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects. Plasma levels of VEGF-A, sVEGFR-1, and sVEGFR-2 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The subgroups of PAD-DM2+ and PAD-DM2- revealed significantly higher concentrations of VEGF-A (P=0.000 007 and P=0.000 000 1, respectively) and significantly lower sVEGFR-2 levels (P=0.02 and P=0.000 01, respectively), when compared with the control group. Patients with PAD and coexistent diabetes tended to have a lower level of VEGF-A and higher levels of sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 comparable with non-diabetic patients. The coexistence of type 2 diabetes and PAD is demonstrated by a tendency to a lower plasma level of proangiogenic factor (VEGF-A) and higher levels of angiogenesis inhibitors (sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2) at the same time. Regardless of the coexistence of type 2 diabetes, hypoxia appears to be a crucial factor stimulating the processes of angiogenesis in PAD patients comparable with healthy individuals, whereas hyperglycemia may have a negative impact on angiogenesis in lower limbs.

Homocysteine, endothelin-1 and nitric oxide in patients with hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy

PubMed Central

Zeng, Yachang; Li, Mujun; Chen, Yue; Wang, Sumei

2015-01-01

Objective: To investigate the change of level of serum homocysteine (Hcy), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) and clinical significance in patients with HDCP. Methods: Two hundred and thirty nine patients with HDCP (137 patients with mild preeclampsia, 102 patients with severe preeclampsia) who were hospitalized between June 2012 and June 2015 and 200 normal pregnancy women in outpatient department were enrolled in our study were divided into HDCP group and control group. Serum Hcy concentration was measured by enzymatic cycling assay. ET-1 concentration was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. And no concentration was measured by nitrate reductase assay. Results: Serum Hcy and ET-1 in HDCP group were significantly higher as compared to control group (P<0.05). Level of serum NO in HDCP group was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). Level of serum Hcy and ET-1 in mild and severe preeclampsia group were significantly higher as compared to control group, respectively (P<0.05). Level of serum NO in mild and severe preeclampsia group were significantly lower than in the control group’ respectively (P<0.05). Level of serum Hcy and ET-1 in severe preeclampsia group were significantly higher as compared to mild preclampsia group (P<0.05). Level of serum NO in severe preeclampsia group were significantly lower than in mild preeclampsia group (P<0.05). Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that level of serum Hcy and ET-1 was positively correlated with severity of diseases (r=0.689, 0.718, P<0.05). Level of serum NO was negatively correlated with severity of diseases (r=-0.702, P<0.05). Conclusion: Serum Hcy, ET-1 and NO were associated with pathogenesis of HDCP. Comprehensively measurement of them could effectively evaluate the incidence and progress of HDCP. PMID:26823880